LA Clippers vs. OKC Thunder: Preview, How to Watch, and Betting Info

In this story:
After a much needed couple days off, the LA Clippers are headed to Oklahoma City on Saturday night to take on the Thunder. OKC is currently just 8-19, which is good for dead last in the Western Conference. Their rebuild is still young, as the franchise made the playoffs just two seasons ago.
The Thunder are led by a familiar face for the Clippers, in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. After a slow start to the season, Shai’s numbers are still down across the board from last year; however, he has been much better as of late. Over his last six games, Shai is averaging 26.2 PPG and 5.7 APG. As bad as OKC has been, Shai's ability to put up big games has given them opportunities to win on several occasions.
This is something the Clippers will have to be aware of, especially if they are without Paul George and Nicolas Batum. The two of them are still being listed as questionable, and while it goes without saying, their status changes everything for the Clippers.
This game against OKC begins a three-game stretch for the Clippers where they play the Thunder, Spurs, and Kings, all who have losing records. The Clippers must take advantage of this stretch, because after it, they will face playoff teams from last year in eight of their next ten matchups. With the league's 2nd most difficult remaining strength of schedule, taking care of business against the worst team in the Western Conference is absolutely essential.
How to Watch
Matchup: LA Clippers (16-13) vs. OKC Thunder (8-19)
Date: December 18th, 2021
Time: 5:00 PM PST
Venue: Paycom Center
Broadcast: Bally Sports
Betting Info
Spread: Clippers -4
Moneyline: Clippers -174, OKC +146
Point Total: O/U 207.5
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.
Follow joeylinn_