Thunder vs Clippers preview and gamethread: OKC welcomes LA to the Peake to try and snap losing streak

Game: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Clippers

Time: 8PM CST

Location: Chesapeake Arena, OKC

Broadcast: FSOK

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The Thunder welcome the Clippers back to the Peake less than 24 hours after the West-leading Nuggets demonstrated that, at this time, they are a step ahead of OKC thus far in 2018. The Clippers are probably a closer approximation to where the Thunder are, mid-December, which makes this end of the week occasion all the more important.

During OKC’s last game against LA, we finally got a glimpse of what we had hoped for from the Thunder, as they completely dismantled the Clips in the second half en route to a dominant win. While I don’t expect tonight’s game to play out the same way, the Thunder do need to maintain that same kind of defensive focus, particularly against a team that is offensively one of the league’s best.

The Clips have struggled themselves this week, getting wiped out first by the Raptors and then obliterated by the Spurs, which makes OKC’s 2nd night of a back-to-back pressing for both squads as they wrestle for seeding position both today and long-term.

Of particular note is that Lou Williams will not be active tonight, but the Clips still have a number of competent players who can slide in to replace the reigning 6th Man of the Year.

The Thunder’s approach to tonight offensively is a big question, because the longer it sputters, the more it stresses a defense that is largely carrying the Thunder. The two must work together for OKC to prevail tonight.