Los Angeles Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder ATS Prediction

Victor TrejosBasketball, NBA

The Los Angeles Clippers (0-1) will be 1.5-point favorites at home in Staples Center when they go head-to-head with the Oklahoma City Thunder (0-1). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 215.5 points and it will air on NBATV at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, October 19, 2018.

Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers ATS Odds

Both teams fell in their last game. The Thunder (12-point underdogs) were defeated by the Golden State Warriors, 108-100, while the Clippers (2-point underdogs) fell to the Denver Nuggets, 107-98. The Oklahoma City game finished 12.5 points under the projected point total of 220.5, while the Los Angeles game went 17.5 points under the projected point total of 222.5.

Oklahoma City had a better free throw rate (0.264 vs. 0.179) while Los Angeles had a better effective field goal percentage (0.448 vs. 0.425). Tobias Harris played a pivotal role for Los Angeles with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Steven Adams, meanwhile played well for Oklahoma City, recording 17 points and 11 rebounds.

This has potential to be an error-filled game for the offense of Los Angeles. Since last season, Los Angeles ranks 18th in the NBA in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.0 percent), while the pesky defense of Oklahoma City has forced the most turnovers in the NBA (15.3 percent). Furthermore, the Thunder, who rank first in offensive rebounding percentage (27.2 percent), will go head-to-head against the Clippers, who rank 29th in defensive rebounding percentage (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. Since last season, Oklahoma City games have had a tendency to finish under the projected point total (55.7 percent).

On the other hand, the Clippers, are 42-41 SU and 42-47-1 ATS since last season. Games featuring Los Angeles have had a slight tendency to finish over the projected point total over that same time frame (51.1 percent).

The Thunder dominated this series last year, winning all three games. In the most recent game, Oklahoma City won 121-113. Oklahoma City had a much better turnover percentage (11.9 vs. 17.9). Los Angeles, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the free throw line (18-23; 78.3 percent).

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers ATS Pick

NBA Tip: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

  • The Clippers rank 20th in assists per game (22.3) while the Thunder rank 29th (21.0).
  • 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 18.8 points off turnovers per game, which ranks first in the NBA. 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).
  • Oklahoma City ranks fifth in rebounds per game (45.0) while Los Angeles ranks 21st in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
  • The Thunder rank fourth in fast break points per game (15.0) while the Clippers rank last in fast break points allowed per game (15.4).
  • The Clippers rank second in points in the paint per game (52.2) while the Thunder rank 22nd (43.5).
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Los Angeles is 13-2 and Oklahoma City is 23-6.
  • The Clippers are 40-27 when they reach 100 points, while the Thunder are 46-20.
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