Oklahoma City Thunder vs La Clippers Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Thunder Look to Set Franchise Win Streak Record Against Clippers

The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the cusp of history, seeking to secure their longest win streak since relocating from Seattle. With a 12-game winning streak under their belt, they host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night, aiming to extend their dominant run.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s Scorching Form

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is at the center of Oklahoma City’s surge, producing perhaps the best basketball of his career. Over the streak, he’s averaging 33.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, while shooting an impressive 56.6 percent from the field.

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The All-Star guard continued his brilliance Tuesday, scoring 40 points with four steals in a 113-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gilgeous-Alexander has been a consistent thorn in opponents’ sides, including the Clippers, against whom he scored a career-high 45 points in a 134-128 win on Nov. 11.

“I feel like I’m flowing,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I’m not pressing, I’m not thinking, I’m just out there hoopin’. The hard work is paying off.”

Teammate Isaiah Hartenstein, who joined the team this season, praised Gilgeous-Alexander’s team-first mentality. “It feels like he’s not forcing it,” Hartenstein said. “He’s going out there trying to help the team, and he’s still getting 40. That’s why I think he should be the MVP this year. It should be clear.”

Hartenstein’s Impact

Hartenstein has been a revelation for the Thunder. Since his debut, Oklahoma City is 16-1, and the 7-footer has registered 13 double-doubles during that stretch. His presence has bolstered a Thunder squad still missing Chet Holmgren, who remains sidelined with a hip injury.

Clippers’ Challenges

The Clippers enter Thursday’s matchup looking to rebound from their worst loss of the season, a 122-86 blowout defeat in San Antonio on Tuesday. The loss marked a low point for a team playing without Kawhi Leonard, who has yet to appear this season due to right knee inflammation.

“Mentally we’ve got to be tougher and we’ve got to be better,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said after the defeat.

Turnovers have plagued the Clippers in their two previous losses to the Thunder this season, with 46 giveaways leading to 55 Oklahoma City points. Limiting mistakes will be key if Los Angeles hopes to slow the Thunder’s momentum.

Leonard’s Looming Return

There is optimism within the Clippers’ camp as Leonard nears a return. The six-time All-Star has been steadily ramping up his activity and could make his season debut Saturday against Atlanta.

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Despite Leonard’s absence, the Clippers sit sixth in the Western Conference, thanks in part to James Harden’s leadership. Harden expressed confidence that Leonard’s return won’t disrupt the team’s rhythm. “He feels like he doesn’t want to come over and just mess up the flow and chemistry that we have been building up,” Harden said. “I don’t think it’s going to be a problem.”

Game Outlook

The Thunder, led by Gilgeous-Alexander and buoyed by their newfound depth, have been nearly unstoppable. The Clippers, however, boast experience and talent even without Leonard. Thursday’s game will test the Thunder’s streak against a resilient Los Angeles squad looking to make a statement.