Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers 8/14/20: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Daily Fantasy

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers have already locked up a position in the playoffs, and both teams know who they’ll draw in the first round. The Clippers are 48-23 on the season and 4-3 in the bubble, which has secured them the second seed and a first-round match with the Dallas Mavericks.

The Thunder are 44-27 and are also 4-3 in Orlando. They are currently fourth but could drop to fifth depending on how they and the Rockets finish. Either way, a first-round matchup is in store with Houston for OKC.

Last time these teams squared off was on March 3, with the Clippers coming out ahead 103-94. Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers with 25 points and eight rebounds, while Dennis Schroeder had 24 for the Thunder.

TV Schedule

Date: 8/14/20
Time: 6:30 PM ET
Arena: The Field House, Orlando, FL
Channel: ESPN

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Injuries

Thunder: Chris Paul (O), Lu Dort (O), Dennis Schroeder (O)
Clippers: Landry Shamet (O), Montrezl Harrell (O), Patrick Beverley (O)

Oklahoma City Thunder Starting Lineup

PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG: Hamidou Diallo
SF: Darius Bazley
PF: Danilo Gallinari
C: Steven Adams

Thunder Analysis

The Thunder were in a tight game with the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, and Oklahoma City, who has had to look to their bench with injuries to several players at different times, looked to another member of their second unit to knock down a key three-pointer.

Mike Muscala delivered with a dagger for three of his six total points on the night, not a surprise to coach Billy Donovan who has had to go a little deeper down his roster and has been getting good contributions.

“I’ve got a great deal of respect for Mike Muscala just because he’s a total pro and keeps himself ready,” said Thunder coach Billy Donovan. “Whenever he’s called upon you know you’re going to get a very, very reliable guy. A lot of those second unit guys did a nice job and I think they all learned something from the first half that I think carried over into the second half.”

One of the real stars on OKC’s bench in the bubble has been rookie Darius Bazley. Bazley worked hard and saw his minutes raised in Orlando. He has reached the 20-pint mark in his last three games, and he’s also been there to provide rebounds, assists, and steals.

With Chris Paul and Dennis Schroeder hopefully back during the playoffs, the Thunder will have a deeper team to compete with the Houston Rockets.

Hamidou Diallo had 11 points in the last game, and he’ll likely get the start tonight with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander sliding over to point guard.

Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineup

PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Paul George
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Marcus Morris Sr.
C: Ivica Zubac

Clippers Analysis

The Los Angeles Clippers got past the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday 124-111, thanks to the Clippers trip of Paul George, Kawhi Leonard and Lou Williams, but head coach Doc Rivers still sees room for improvement.

“We want to win it all,” Rivers said. “We’ve got to improve as a team, we know that, we have work to do. But we’re going to the playoffs with that mindset. And that’s the only thing that matters right now for us.”

After playing heavy minutes on Wednesday night, George and Leonard may not be playing for very long tonight. George finished with 27 points in 36 minutes and Leonard added 26 points in 33 minutes. Williams came off the bench for 23 points and two other players scored in double figures.

Look for heavy minutes from Patrick Patterson, JaMychal Green, and Rodney McGruder tonight, especially with three other players out and Rivers likely resting starters in the second half.

The Clippers didn’t quite look as strong in the bubble as they had before the season was halted, but minutes management and injuries could have played a big role in that. Look for the Clippers to try to polish things up a bit tonight as they get ready for a postseason matchup with the Dallas Mavericks.

Thunder vs. Clippers Fantasy Basketball Angle

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are always going to be DFS difference-makers, even if they play fewer minutes. Leonard is projected for 42.1 points tonight at a FanDuel salary of $8.7k. Lou Williams is a value pick at $5.3k with a projection of 25.3 points, which he can easily top.

For the Thunder, go with Shai Gilgeous Alexander, who could also be a value pick at $6.9k. He’s expected to finish with 32.4 fantasy points. Another super value is Darius Bazley, who I talked about above. He’s available for just $5,2k and has a projection of 28.2 points.

Thunder vs. Clippers Betting Odds

Thunder Odds: +200
Clippers Odds: -240
Over/Under: 225 points

The Clippers are six-point favorites to win tonight’s game. The Clippers are 36-20 in games where they are picked as the favorites.