Los Angeles Clippers 2018-2019 Schedule Breakdown: December
By Jacob Glosup
Game 29: LA Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder
Saturday, December 15 at 6:00 PM
Last season: Thunder swept series 3-0
The Clippers “Big-Three” is no more, and neither is the short-lived “Big Three” of the Thunder.
This offseason the Thunder’s biggest move was keeping Paul George. The Lakers and Clippers were aggressively pursuing him, but he re-signed to a four-year deal worth $137 million. Key additions include Atlanta’s Dennis Schroder, and Dallas’ Nerlens Noel. They acquired Devon Hall, Hamidou Diallo, and Kevin Hervey in this year’s draft.
The Clippers have the schedule-advantage in this matchup. They are coming into this game with one day of rest whereas the Thunder are coming in on the second night of a back-to-back. The Thunder face the Denver Nuggets on the road the night before.
Paul George and Russell Westbrook will be tough to contain, but we have two strong defenders in Luc Mbah a Moute and Patrick Beverly to pit against them. Barring any injuries, the Clippers’ defensive stalwarts will have the chance to shut down the Thunders’ superstars.
Two of the losses last year to Oklahoma City came when we were without Patrick Beverly and when we played the Houston Rockets the night before.
Prediction: The Clippers will come out of this matchup with the close win. Despite being swept last season, the Clippers didn’t have good chance in two games due to injuries and the schedule. The schedule will help LA in this game.