The Oklahoma City Thunder are fighting to secure a playoff spot in the Western Conference and have been surging of late, winning three of their last four games.
The Los Angeles Clippers are fighting more for playoff positioning since they're essentially in the postseason but are sliding of late, losing two of their last three games.
Projected Starting Lineups
Oklahoma City Thunder (35-28)
G Russell Westbrook – 27.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 8.3 apg
G Andre Roberson – 3.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg
F Kyle Singler – 4.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg
F Serge Ibaka – 14.3 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 2.5 bpg
C Enes Kanter– 14.3 ppg, 9.3 rpg
Los Angeles Clippers (41-23)
G Chris Paul –18.2 ppg, 10.2 apg
G J.J. Redick – 15.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg
F Matt Barnes – 9.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg
F Spencer Hawes – 6.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg
C DeAndre Jordan – 11.2 ppg, 14.5 rpg
What to watch for:
Will Russell Westbrook put up another triple-double?
Westbrook has gone on an absolute tear since Kevin Durant went out with a foot injury, recording five triple-doubles in OKC's last six games. He's turned every game into a spectacle, and the Thunder need that kind of performance from him because he hasn't been getting a whole lot of help from his teammates. He doesn't need a triple-double, but he needs to play efficiently while putting up big numbers for the Thunder to win.
How chippy will the game get?
There's a little rivalry developing between these two teams going back to their playoff series last year, and there have been numerous heated exchanges between players. I expect more physical play tonight, and technical/flagrant fouls could play a big role in the outcome.
Prediction: Clippers win 112-104
There will be a lot of points scored in this one as both teams like to attack in transition. Westbrook will get another triple-double, but OKC doesn't have enough firepower without Durant to pull this one out.
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