We’re halfway through the season and Russell Westbrook is still out there averaging a triple-double. The MVP candidate is registering 30.8 points, 10.5 assists, and 10.7 rebounds, through 42 games this campaign.
The Clippers already know what kind of havoc Westbrook brings to the table. In three meetings thus far this season with LA, Westbrook has been able to put up 27.0 PPG, 10.7 RPG, and 9.3 APG. Westbrook had 17 points, 14 assists, and 12 boards in OKC’s 114-88 home win back in December 31.
Despite the stuff you’ve read above, Oklahoma City isn’t all about Westbrook. The Thunder also have other players, who are capable of doing damage on the Clippers. Take for example Enes Kanter, who has put up double-double averages of 14.0 PPG and 10.3 RPG against LA this season. Kanter led the Thunder with 23 points off the bench in the December win over the Clips.
The Thunder are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 road games against the Clippers.
The Clippers are red hot right now. They are on a six-game win streak, thanks to a balanced performance on both ends of the floor. Over that stretch, they were able to score 107.7 points on 48.1 percent shooting from the floor while limiting opponents to just 96.8 PPG on a poor 41.0 FG%.
That defense has to show up again later tonight against the Thunder, who’ve beaten them twice already this season. Containing Russell Westbrook is no easy task, but the spitfire Thunder guard’s heavy usage makes him extra prone to committing errors. The Clippers should be able to capitalize on Westbrook’s turnovers. As a team, the Thunder turn the ball over 14.9 times per contest. In the Clips’ 110-108 win over OKC back in November 11, the Thunder committed 17 miscues, which LA transformed into 12 points. Thus far on the season, the Clippers are making 16.0 points per game off turnovers.
Blake Griffin leads the Clippers with 19.5 PPG against the Thunder this season but his continuing rehabilitation from a minor knee surgery leaves extra pressure on the shoulders of the likes of Chris Paul and JJ Redick. Paul is averaging 17.7 PPG, while Redick is putting up 15.6.
There’s also DeAndre Jordan, who had monster game of 24 points and 21 rebounds in a 113-97 win over the Lakers last Saturday.
The Clippers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games.
