In a late-season matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Western Conference`s top team with a 58-12 record (27-7 away), will play against the Los Angeles Clippers, who are currently battling to avoid the Play-In Tournament with a 40-30 record (25-10 at home). The Thunder have already secured the No. 1 seed in the West, while the Clippers are trying to climb into the top six to bypass the Play-In Tournament. Jalen Williams of the Thunder will miss the game due to a hip injury.
The game is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The Thunder are favored by 3.5 points according to betting odds, and are -165 on the money line, while the Clippers are +138 underdogs. The over/under for total points is set at 228.5.
For those interested in creating a same-game parlay for the Thunder-Clippers game, especially focusing on Kawhi Leonard, insights from a proven projection model are available. This model, known for its accuracy in NBA predictions and a history of profitable NBA picks, has simulated the game 10,000 times, offering projected player statistics for informed betting decisions. Below are three top picks from the model for Sunday`s game, ideal for a same-game parlay.
Under 229.5 Total Points (-110 at DraftKings)
The under has hit in two of the three previous games between the Thunder and Clippers this season, with both of those games having fewer than 215 total points. Both teams boast strong defenses, with the Thunder ranked second in the NBA allowing 106.9 points per game and the Clippers fourth at 108.5 points per game. Despite the offensive talent of players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard, the projection model suggests the under is likely to occur in over 60% of simulations. The consensus over/under is often set at 228.5 points, so taking the extra point at 229.5 with -110 odds provides good value.
Kawhi Leonard Under 30.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists & Over 3.5 Total Rebounds (-115 at DraftKings)
Kawhi Leonard, a top-tier two-way player, has shown less offensive dominance against strong defensive teams recently. He has gone under his combined points, rebounds, and assists total in four of his last five home games against teams with a winning record and a top-10 scoring defense. The Thunder possess the league`s second-best defense, and Leonard has not reached this statistical mark in either of his two games against them this season.
Ivica Zubac Under 12.5 Rebounds (-108 at DraftKings)
Clippers center Ivica Zubac has recorded fewer than 12.5 rebounds in two of his last four games. He faces a tough matchup against the Thunder, a team known for efficient shooting. Oklahoma City is eighth in shooting percentage (47.9%), which limits opportunities for defensive rebounds. Zubac has gone under 12.5 rebounds in two of three games against the Thunder this season, and has also gone under his rebound total in three of his last five home games as an underdog.
Same-Game Parlay Odds: +472
Looking for More NBA Picks?
These are top same-game parlay picks for the Thunder vs. Clippers game on Sunday. For additional NBA picks for every game, refer to a proven model with a successful track record in NBA predictions.
Jasper Hawthorne