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Thunder vs Clippers NBA Pick: Defending Champs Look To Get Back On Track (Dec 18)

Published Dec 17, 7:16am ET by

James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Dec 17, 7:16am ET

Pick status
The Thunder look to bounce back when they host Clippers on Thursday night.

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Updated Dec 17, 7:16am ET

  • The Thunder suffered their second loss of the season but still own the league's top record at 24-2.
  • Meanwhile, Los Angeles dropped to 6-20 following a 121-103 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.
  • These teams previously squared off on Nov. 4, with the Thunder claiming a 126-107 victory.

One of the games on Thursday's NBA slate features the Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the Los Angeles Clippers. Who has the edge in our Thunder vs Clippers pick?

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers Overview Watch On: NBA TV

DATE & TIME

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025 @ 8:00PM ET
Oklahoma City Thunder
Paycom Center
Oklahoma City, OK
Los Angeles Clippers
GAME ODDS
BetOnline
Oklahoma City Thunder -15.5 (-114)
Los Angeles Clippers +15.5 (-116)

Thunder Come Up Short Against Spurs In Potential Conference Finals Preview

OKC had won 16 in a row, but that streak ended with a 111-109 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

ALSO SEE: Timberwolves vs Grizzlies | Odds and NBA Pick (Dec 17)

The Thunder raced out to a 31-20 lead in the game's first 12 minutes. However San Antonio responded with a 58-46 scoring edge across the middle two quarters on its way to a narrow two-point win.

The reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, paced the offense with 29 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Chet Holmgren scored 17 points and collected eight rebounds.

OKC shot 41 percent from the field and just 9-for-37 (24 percent) from beyond the arc.

Los Angeles Aims To Avoid Five-Game Losing Streak

After notching a 115-92 win over Atlanta, the Clippers have dropped each of their last four contests, including a 121-103 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Los Angeles held a slim 64-63 lead halfway through the third quarter. However, the Grizzlies finished the frame with a 26-13 burst en route to a double-digit victory.

Kawhi Leonard was one of four starters in double figures. He finished with 21 points, four rebounds, and three assists on 50 percent shooting from the floor. Kris Dunn added 17 points and handed out five assists for a Clippers squad that has endured a four-game losing streak for the third time this season.

Thunder vs Clippers NBA Pick

Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.

  • The Thunder are 16-1 straight-up (SU) in their last 17 games.
  • OKC is 4-1 ATS in its previous five outings.
  • The Clippers are 1-9 in their last 10 contests.
  • Los Angeles is 3-7 ATS in its previous 10 matchups.

Oklahoma City is a top-five offensive team and has the league's top defense. Furthermore, the Thunder have won eight of the previous 10 meetings in this series. With that in mind, look for the defending champs to get back on track against an inferior opponent.

Pick
Oklahoma City Thunder
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