Clippers vs. Thunder Preview: OKC Looks to Bounce Back, LA Searches for Answers
The LA Clippers and the Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face off at Paycom Center on Thursday night in a matchup that pits two teams on very different trajectories. While the Thunder are sitting comfortably atop the Western Conference with a sparkling 24-2 record, the Clippers are still searching for stability, entering the contest at 6-20 and currently 13th in the West.
Let’s dig into the storylines, key injuries, and how both squads are shaping up heading into this one.
Clippers: Searching for Chemistry, Fighting Through Injuries
The Clippers are in a tough stretch, having dropped four of their last five games. Their most recent outing-a 121-103 loss at home to the Memphis Grizzlies-highlighted some of the challenges they’ve been facing on both ends of the floor.
Kawhi Leonard led the way with 21 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while James Harden chipped in 13 points and six assists. But the offense lacked rhythm, and the defense had trouble containing Memphis' perimeter attack.
And now, the injury report isn’t doing them any favors.
James Harden is sidelined with a left calf contusion, and Bradley Beal remains out with a left hip fracture. Derrick Jones Jr. (right knee sprain) and Yanic Konan Niederhauser (left knee soreness) are also unavailable, while Cam Christie is listed as questionable with right foot soreness. Chris Paul is not with the team.
That’s a lot of firepower and depth missing, especially in a matchup against one of the league’s most balanced and dynamic teams. With Harden and Beal both out, the backcourt will likely lean heavily on Kris Dunn and Bogdan Bogdanovic to handle playmaking duties, while Leonard will need to carry the scoring load once again.
Thunder: Elite Form Despite NBA Cup Exit
Oklahoma City may have seen its 16-game winning streak snapped in the NBA Cup semifinal against San Antonio, but make no mistake-this team is rolling. At 24-2, they’ve been the class of the Western Conference, and they’re doing it with a mix of youthful energy, smart team basketball, and elite two-way play.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to play at an MVP-caliber level. In the loss to the Spurs, he poured in 29 points to go along with four rebounds and five assists.
His ability to control tempo, score from all three levels, and defend at a high level has been the engine behind OKC’s surge. Rookie big man Chet Holmgren added 17 points and seven rebounds in that game, showing once again why he’s a matchup nightmare with his length, shooting touch, and shot-blocking instincts.
The Thunder will be without several players on Thursday, including center Isaiah Hartenstein (right soleus injury management), Thomas Sorber (recovering from right ACL surgery), Nikola Topic, and Jaylin Williams (right heel bursitis). Even so, OKC has the depth to absorb those losses. Cason Wallace, Aaron Wiggins, and Alex Caruso have all stepped up in key moments this season, and coach Mark Daigneault has done a masterful job of rotating his lineup to keep fresh legs on the court.
Projected Starting Lineups & Depth
Clippers Projected Starters:
- PG: Kris Dunn
- SG: Jordan Miller
- SF: Kawhi Leonard
- PF: John Collins
- C: Nicolas Batum
With Harden and Beal out, expect LA to lean on Leonard and Collins for offensive production. Dunn will be tasked with initiating the offense, while Batum’s veteran presence will be key defensively.
Thunder Projected Starters:
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Luguentz Dort
- SF: Jalen Williams
- PF: Chet Holmgren
- C: Branden Carlson (in place of Hartenstein)
Even with Hartenstein out, the Thunder’s starting five remains one of the most cohesive units in the league. Dort brings defensive toughness, Jalen Williams adds versatility, and Holmgren’s ability to stretch the floor opens up driving lanes for Gilgeous-Alexander.
What to Watch
- **Can the Clippers generate enough offense without Harden and Beal? ** Leonard will need a big night, but LA’s supporting cast has to step up to avoid getting overwhelmed early.
- **Will OKC come out with a chip on their shoulder?
** After their first loss in over a month, expect the Thunder to play with urgency, especially at home.
- Battle of the benches. Depth has been a strength for the Thunder all season, while the Clippers are patching together rotations due to injuries. That could be a deciding factor.
How to Watch
- Game Day: Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- TV: NBA TV
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
This one has the makings of a statement game for the Thunder and a gut-check moment for the Clippers. OKC is aiming to reassert its dominance after a rare loss, while LA is simply looking for something-anything-to build on.