L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City
Time: 8 PM CT, NBA LP
Spread: OKC -6
Total: 226

odds c/o 5dimes

LAC

The L.A. Clippers are 17-11 but have its last two heading into tonight’s game. The Clippers have a strange assortment of players that do not seem to really fit together, but there is no discounting the massive collection of talent on the team. Montrezl Harrell has become a major contributor after coming out as a second-round pick of the Houston Rockets. Harrell has averaged 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in just 25 minutes a night. Thought originally to be undersized, he has made up with for it with his massive wingspan, athleticism, and with his energy.

Lou Williams is still a bucket-getter, and he is averaging 17.2 points per game. But the Clippers leader has been Tobias Harris, who has basically stepped into the same role once occupied by superstar Blake Griffin. Harris is leading the team at 21.0 points per game while adding 8.2 rebounds per game, and 2.2 assists. Danilo Galinari disappears at times, but when he is locked in he is one of the best shooting forwards in the league. Gallo is averaging 18.8 points while shooting 43.4 percent from the floor and an outstanding 44.5 percent on his 5.3 three-pointers per game.

The Clippers “only” attempt 24.9 threes per game, but it connects on 37 percent of those while shooting 47 percent from the floor overall. For such a seemingly strange collection of talent, the Clippers are in the playoff race early and should find its way into the postseason.

OKC

OKC has won six of its past ten. Instrumental in those wins has been the play of “third guard” Dennis Schroder, who is able to fill in rather flawlessly or play alongside Russell Westbrook. Schroder averages 30.3 minutes per game, tallying 16.7 points, 5.7 assists, and 4.5 rebounds per game, serving as a third-option after Westbrook and All-Star swingman Paul George. Westbrook has appeared in just seven games this season, and his numbers are down across the board: 24.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game.
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George is averaging 24.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, but he leads the team in steals with 2.53 per game. The Thunder are tough defensive team anchored by underrated center Steven Adams. Adams has become more of an offensive threat this season, averaging nearly 16 points per game, 10.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks/steals in 33 minutes a night. The Thunder rank no. 5 in the league in team defense, allowing 105.5 points per game, while scoring 110.9 itself, good for a differential of +5.4 points.

OKC is also strong on the glass, due to Adams and Westbrook tag-teaming the rebounding effort. It averages 47.1 rebounds per game, No. 7 in the Association. The Thunder have a lot of facets that should make it a tough team to “out” in the playoffs, from its defense to its rebounding to its two top-end stars. And Schroder really seems to be a perfect third guard to its rotation. Billy Donovan can get this team out of the first round this season, with the proper draw and a well-concerted effort from its veteran cast.

ATS TRENDS