Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Clippers 25 October 2026 Prediction

Oklahoma City opened the regular season with wins over Western Conference rivals San Antonio (116-104) and Denver (96-84). After two days off, manager Mark Daigneault’s team hosts an injury-depleted Clippers squad coming off its first loss of the season. The visitors now face the league’s best defense.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 20-Point Streak Ends

The Thunder’s 96-84 win over Denver showed they can win without shooting well. Oklahoma City went 11-for-43 from three-point range, while Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points, ending his streak of 142 games with at least 20. Despite those struggles, the Thunder came back to win and allowed just 36 points in the second half.

“I think tonight was a slow, physical game. You can’t expect to shoot well in all 82 regular-season games. But if you have a strong defense and compete physically, you give yourself a chance to win every night. I think that’s how we won,” said Mark Daigneault.

Across their first two games, against San Antonio (116-104) and Denver (96-84), the Thunder allowed an average of 94 points and held opponents to 38% shooting from the field. They have defended well with different lineups, so Dort’s absence should be manageable.

Oklahoma City Thunder Predicted Lineup: Gilgeous-Alexander, Wallace, Jalen Williams, Holmgren, Hartenstein

Out: Oweh (injury)

Manager: Mark Daigneault

Clippers Struggle Against the Lakers

The Clippers moved the ball freely against Sacramento’s defense in a 121-96 win, but they struggled against the Lakers in a 125-117 loss. They committed 26 turnovers as the Lakers picked up the pace in the second half. With Ingram, Beal, and Strus injured, Garland has had to handle most of the playmaking.

Garland has scored at least 26 points in two straight games, but he is not used to being the primary option. Even when he put up strong numbers in Cleveland, Mitchell remained the focal point of the offense. Now Garland must create shots for himself and set up his backcourt teammates.

Los Angeles Clippers Predicted Lineup: Garland, Dunn, Jones Jr., Hachimura, Jackson

Out: Ingram, Beal, Strus, Miller, and Niederhauser (injuries)

Manager: Tyronn Lue

Thunder Won All Three Meetings

Oklahoma City won all three regular-season meetings with the Clippers in 2025-26 by double digits: 126-107, 122-101, and 128-110.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Clippers Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder Handicap -11.5

Main prediction: Oklahoma City has an extra day of rest and enters this home game with the league’s best defense. The Thunder held San Antonio to 104 points and Denver to 84. The Clippers, meanwhile, committed 26 turnovers in their 125-117 loss to the Lakers and have struggled to run their offense without Ingram, Beal, and Strus. Oklahoma City’s defense, led by Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, should create transition chances off those mistakes. The pick is Oklahoma City Thunder -11.5.

Team total prediction: With three rotation players injured, the Clippers rely heavily on Garland for offense. Daigneault can assign both Wallace and Caruso to defend him. Oklahoma City allowed 104 and 84 points in its first two games, and the Clippers scored no more than 107 in two of last season’s three meetings. The secondary pick is Los Angeles Clippers team total under 107.5.