The Los Angeles Clippers (0-1) meet the Oklahoma City Thunder (0-1) at Staples Center. The game will air on NBATV at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, October 19, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 215.5 points with Los Angeles opening as a 1.5-point favorite.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers ATS Prediction
Although the Thunder were beaten by the Golden State Warriors in their last matchup, 108-100, they were able to cover as 12-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (208) came in under the projected point total of 220.5. Golden State’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Oklahoma City. The Warriors had a rate of 34.8, while the Thunder posted a mark of 28.1. Steven Adams had a solid performance for Oklahoma City, finishing with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
In the Clippers’ last game, they fell to the Denver Nuggets, 107-98. They failed to cover as 2-point underdogs. The total points for the game (205) came in well under the projected point total of 222.5. One of Denver’s largest strengths was getting to the free throw line. They made 42 trips to the line, while Los Angeles went just 24 times. With 19 points on 6-for-13 shooting, Tobias Harris was Los Angeles’ leading scorer.
It could be a mistake-prone game for the Los Angeles offense. Dating back to last season, Los Angeles ranks 18th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.0 percent), while the gambling defense of Oklahoma City has forced the most turnovers in the league (15.3 percent). Also, the Thunder have been among the league’s best on the offensive backboards, ranking first in offensive rebounding percentage (27.2 percent). The Clippers, meanwhile, rank 29th at grabbing defensive rebounds with a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.0 percent.
The Thunder have had records of 48-35 straight up (SU) and 48-39-1 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Oklahoma City games have finished under the O/U total 55.7 percent of the time since last season.
The Clippers, meanwhile, are 42-41 SU and 42-47-1 ATS since last season. A little over half of Los Angeles’ games have finished over the O/U total over that same period.
The Thunder won all three games against the Clippers last season. In the most recent matchup, Oklahoma City won 121-113. Oklahoma City had a much better turnover percentage (11.9 vs. 17.9). Los Angeles, on the other hand, did a great job of converting from the free throw line (18-23; 78.3 percent).
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers Free Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
When holding opponents below 100 points, Oklahoma City is 23-6 and Los Angeles is 13-2.
When reaching 100 points, the Clippers are 40-27 and the Thunder are 46-20.
Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (9.1) while Los Angeles ranks 27th in steals allowed per game (8.5).
The Thunder average 15.0 fast break points per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. The Clippers rank last in fast break points allowed per game (15.4).
Oklahoma City ranks first in second chance points per game (15.0) while Los Angeles ranks 25th in second chance points allowed per game (13.2).
The Thunder rank first in points off turnovers per game (18.8) while the Clippers rank 22nd in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.3).
Oklahoma City ranks ninth in blocks allowed per game (4.7) while Los Angeles ranks 29th (5.7).
The Clippers rank second in points in the paint per game (52.2) while the Thunder rank 22nd (43.5).
Oklahoma City averages 45.0 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 21st in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
The Clippers rank 20th in assists per game (22.3) while the Thunder rank 29th (21.0).
Oklahoma City ranks 11th in three pointers attempted per game (30.3) while Los Angeles ranks 18th in three pointers allowed per game (30.1).
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