Injuries are part of any sport, and a couple of injury-affected NBA teams will look to survive their matchups with the league’s premier triple-double machines tonight. First up, the banged up Clippers head to OKC to face the unstoppable force that is Russell Westbrook. And in the Pacific Northwest, the Blazers try to cope without Wes Matthews as they await the visit of King James (Harden) and the Houston Rockets.
It’s another awesome night of hoops to end hump day! For more in-depth analysis, check out our complete preview of the Clippers vs. Thunder. We also have you covered if you’re looking ahead to Thursday’s huge matchup in the Cavaliers vs. Spurs.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (8:00 PM ET)
Line: Los Angeles Clippers (+7) at Oklahoma City Thunder (-7); total 209.0 – view these lines
[sc:NBA240banner ]Jamal Crawford (calf) and Blake Griffin (elbow) are still out for the Clippers in tonight’s matchup with the Thunder, while Chris Paul could be limited due to bruised knee cap. JJ Redick has stepped up in Crawford’s absence. He’s averaging 23 points per game in his last three, but the Clips are 1-2 in those games, with losses to the Blazers and Warriors.
The shorthanded Clippers will have the unenviable task of slowing down the irresistible Russell Westbrook. Westbrook had yet another triple-double in OKC’s 108-104 win over Toronto on Sunday, his fifth in six games. The Thunder, though, have gone just 3-3 during Westbrook’s recent tear.
Writer’s Prediction
Westbrook leads the Thunder to a home win, but the Clippers (+7) still manage to cover the spread.
Houston Rockets vs. Portland Trail Blazers (10:30 PM ET)
Line: Houston Rockets (+2.5) at Portland Trail Blazers (-2.5); total 207.0 – view these lines
After losing to the Hawks and Grizzlies, the Houston Rockets have come right back to record comfortable double-digit wins over the Pistons and Nuggets. James Harden further strengthened his MVP candidacy with 38 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists against the Pistons, and 28-4-7 against the Nuggets. Harden is averaging 29 points, seven rebounds and nine assists through the first five games of March.
Harden will look to dominate the shooting guard matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, who will play their second game without the injured Wesley Matthews. The Blazers dropped their first game sans Matthews in a 121-113 shootout with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Newly-acquired Arron Afflalo had 14 points in his first start for the team.
Writer’s Prediction
Harden runs over the Matthews-less Blazers as the Rockets (+2.5) win and cover on the road.
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