Thunder Game Day: OKC Exits All-Star Break With Marquee Matchup Against Clippers
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s All-Star break is over just in time for one of their biggest games of the season.
The Thunder will match up at home with the LA Clippers in a battle of two of the best teams in the West. This game will be the third and final meeting between the teams this season, making it the deciding game in a potential tiebreaker.
After spending the past five seasons linked because of the Paul George trade, both teams have seemingly figured things out to compete for a championship. In a potential playoff series, this game could determine which team has home court.
© Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
ODDS:
The Thunder enter the day as 1.5-point favorites against the Clippers, and the total over/under is 238.5 points.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
The Clippers are one of the hottest teams in the league and have been climbing the West standings throughout the season after a rough start. Most of their success has been because of their star power.
All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and George have been the catalysts of LA’s success alongside James Harden. Oklahoma City’s big three of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams will need to match their production.
They are two of the league’s most prominent mid-range shooting teams, making that spot on the floor more important than most matchups. With how vital that shot can be in the postseason, it could be a preview of playoff-caliber basketball.
Like most games, Thursday’s contest could be decided by the 3-point shooting. LA and Oklahoma City are first and second in 3-point shooting percentage.
The game will also feature former Thunder star Russell Westbrook off the bench for the Clippers. With the anticipated debut of Gordon Hayward, which team wins the bench battle could be in the driver’s seat.
RECORDS:
Oklahoma City Thunder (37-17) vs. LA Clippers (36-17)
INJURIES:
Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.
WHEN:
Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, at 7 PM CT
LOCATION:
Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK
TV/RADIO:
Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal
Live Stream: fuboTV (Start Your Free Trial)
FINAL WORD:
Although the game will impact seeding, the Thunder starting hot out of the All-Star break is just as important. With four straight games against losing teams after Thursday’s matchup, the Thunder will have an excellent opportunity to climb the standings quickly.
Oklahoma City will finish a back-to-back on Friday when the Washington Wizards visit Paycom Center.
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