NBA fans are about to witness the clash of two top-tier title contenders from the Western Conference. Paul George and the Los Angeles Clippers have been working through all odds. They have finally understood how to go about a roster built around four Hall of Famers. LA is currently on a nine-game win streak seated at the fourth seed in the West. They currently hold a record of 17 wins and 10 losses.
Paul George really is a 6’9” Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/rFPd9cvtYc
— There’s no way (@BenSimmons_Muse) December 19, 2023
LA will be taking on the Oklahoma City Thunder in hopes of going 10-0 soon. The Thunder themselves have also been having a tremendous run with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren taking the lead. They currently rank second in the West with a record of 17 wins and 8 losses. OKC will host the Clippers at the Paycom Center tonight.
Paul George will not be available to start for the Thunder vs. Clippers game
Paul George has been LA’s second-best player this season averaging 22.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while ranking behind SGA in steals. However, he will miss tonight’s game due to an illness. Moussa Diabate will miss the game as well due to a hip injury. Mason Plumlee will remain out but coach Tyronn Lue claimed that he has been able to jog.
The OKC does not have any injuries recorded on the roster at the moment. This will be a battle to witness at the Paycom Center tonight. SGA is bound to have another stellar appearance while Holmgren puts the Clippers to the ultimate test on defense. Holmgren has been one of the leaders to win this year’s Rookie of the Year Award besides Victor Wembanyama.
Chet Holmgren is the #1 candidate for DPOY this year.
15 blocks in his last 2 games 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/mnnVRIxYfp
— There’s no way (@BenSimmons_Muse) December 19, 2023
Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report:
NIL
Oklahoma City Thunder Expected Lineup:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Josh Giddey
- Luguentz Dort
- Jalen Williams
- Chet Holmgren
Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report:
- Paul George (Out)
- Moussa Diabate (Out)
- Mason Plumlee (Out)
Los Angeles Clippers Expected Lineup:
- James Harden
- Terance Mann
- Norman Powell
- Kawhi Leonard
- Ivica Zubac
Will the Clippers survive against the Thunder without Paul George?
Without Paul George in the lineup, the Clippers will have a major defensive void to fill. However, they run an offense that is extremely powerful when James Harden takes charge alongside Kawhi Leonard. Coach Lee has allowed Harden to work the offense from time to time, as that’s what he’s wanted to do. He currently averages 17.1 points per game along with 4.6 rebounds and 7.7 assists.
why was six afraid of seven? cause seven, eight, NINE pic.twitter.com/YBMq80ICbN
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) December 21, 2023
While the Clippers have great scoring options, limiting SGA will be a problem without George. The Thunder guard is averaging 30.7 points per game and leads the league in steals with 2.8 per piece. Holmgren is a close second in defense averaging 2.8 blocks per game. He will be a key player to place against Leonard and James, who tend to finish at the rim frequently. The Thunder are the favorites to win the game.