Tag: Los Angeles Clippers

Thunder set to face Paul George, Clippers on Monday night

Oklahoma City will face the Los Angeles Clippers for the first time since their blockbuster trade in July.

The Thunder may have won five of their last seven matchups against the Los Angeles Clippers, but this Clippers team isn’t the one of years past.

Stating the obvious: Oklahoma City is facing their former star Paul George for the first time since George asked to be dealt to the Clippers in July. George is coming off surgery on both his shoulders in the off-season and missed the first 11 games of the regular season.

But he scored 37 in the Clippers’ win over Atlanta Saturday, and quite frankly, the Thunder know what they’re up against in Paul George.

George and Kawhi Leonard have yet to take the court together. Leonard has missed the last two games due to a knee contusion, but ESPN referenced a quote Doc Rivers gave the (Los Angeles) Times saying that Leonard will “most likely” play against the Thunder.

Oklahoma City comes into Monday’s matchup off of one of their, if not the, best games of the year, an overtime win over the 76ers in which Danilo Gallinari, Chris Paul, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Terrance Ferguson all scored in double-digits.

Oklahoma City’s free-throw shooting, which has been spotty during the best of times and outright atrocious at others, was fantastic. Gallinari and Paul were perfect from the line and as a team, the Thunder made over 85% of their attempts.

Defensively, OKC has been solid. Per the Thunder game notes, “currently holds opponents to the fourth-lowest three-point shooting percentage (31.2 percent), the second-fewest fast break points (10.7), the eighth-fewest second-chance points (12.0) and the ninth-fewest points per game (107.1) among all NBA teams.”

But solid may not be enough against the Clippers. Defensively lapses could be more of an issue than usual for the Thunder, especially if Leonard finds his way back onto the floor on Monday night.

Tip-off is set for 9:30 p.m. CT.

Rivers calls Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ‘the greatest kid’ as former Clippers guard returns to L.A. with Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s former coach spoke highly of the former Clippers guard ahead of the team’s matchup against Oklahoma City Monday.

Doc Rivers has nothing but good things to say about Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

On Monday, the former Clippers guard returns to Los Angeles to face the organization that traded him away.

Make no mistake, the blockbuster deal that sent Paul George to L.A. for Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and a boatload of draft picks, so far seems to be working out for both parties. The Clippers landed both George and Kawhi Leonard (even if the two have yet to share the court) and George has looked dominate after returning from off-season shoulder surgery.

Meanwhile, in Oklahoma City, Gilgeous-Alexander is the team’s leading scorer and heir-apparent at point guard.

It took a lot to part with George, and Clippers head coach Doc Rivers told media this week he knew what he was giving up in SGA.

“He’s the greatest kid,” Clippers coach Doc Rivers said of Gilgeous-Alexander this week. “I don’t know if I’ve had a more favorite young player, like, he’s the best. Just still innocent enough, you know, hopefully that stays.”

According to Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman, those sentiments were echoed by Gilgeous-Alexander’s former teammates as well.

“Everybody loved Shai,” former Clipper and current Hawks guard Tyrone Wallace said. “It was one of those things, I think a lot of fans were kind of upset (that he was traded). And all that type of thing, but I get it’s a business, and that’s how it happens.”

Danilo Gallinari, who has also been a solid addition to the Thunder in the trade for Paul George, played with SGA during his rooking season and, per Lee, has seen tremendous growth in year two.

“It’s been amazing to me being able to see him every day since last year getting better game by game,” Gallinari said, “and all the strides that he made this year is pretty amazing.”

Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will take on George and the Clippers Monday night. Tip-off is at 9:30 C.T.

Rockets list Capela, House as probable to return Monday

The Rockets upgraded the medical status of two starters, with Clint Capela (concussion) and Danuel House Jr. (back) now probable for Monday.

The Houston Rockets appear likely to get a pair of needed reinforcements for Monday’s home game versus Portland.

In Sunday’s injury report, the Rockets listed both Clint Capela and Danuel House Jr. as probable. House missed the last three games with a bruised back, while Capela sat out the last two with a concussion.

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The Rockets (10-3) have won seven consecutive games, but the schedule for the upcoming week appears difficult — headlined by road games on Wednesday and Friday at a pair of likely Western Conference contenders in Denver and the Los Angeles Clippers.

Thus, it certainly feels like an opportune time for Houston’s starting center and small forward to return.

In 11 games, Capela has averaged 13.4 points (65% shooting), 12.5 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks in 30.2 minutes per game. The 6-foot-10 big man has grabbed 20 rebounds in his last three games, making the 25-year-old the first Rockets player to do so since Moses Malone in 1982.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old House is averaging 11.8 points and 4.9 rebounds in 29.2 minutes per game, led by a blistering 45.5% mark on three-pointers. The defensive rating of 104.0 and overall net rating of 8.0 by the 6-foot-6 forward and native Houstonian are both among the best of any player in head coach Mike D’Antoni‘s regular rotation.

Ben McLemore and Tyson Chandler, who each started in the absence of House and Capela, will return to bench roles.

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Hawks-Clippers odds: Clips are huge favorites at home

Previewing Saturday’s Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Clippers sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis and picks.

The Atlanta Hawks (4-7) travel to meet the Los Angeles Clippers (7-5) Saturday at 10:30 p.m. ET. We analyze the Hawks-Clippers odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Hawks at Clippers: Key injuries

Hawks: SF Chandler Parsons (knee) is expected to be a go. SG Evan Turner (Achilles) is questionable and SG Vince Carter (personal) is listed as out. SG Kevin Huerter (shoulder) will be sidelined at least another seven to 10 days, while PF John Collins remains suspended through Dec. 23.

Clippers: SF Kawhi Leonard (knee) is listed as questionable, as is PG Patrick Beverley (calf). If Kawhi is unable to play, that moves the needle on this game quite a bit. He is expected to be ready, but could be rested as a precaution. Be careful.

Hawks at Clippers: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 9:55 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Clippers 121, Hawks 106

Moneyline (ML)

PASS. The Clippers (-715) are expected to take care of the Hawks, but if Leonard and Beverley were each unable to play, that makes this much less of a certainty. Even if they were to play, laying more than seven times your return is just not good gambling. It’s foolish.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered that Los Angeles wins profits $0.14 if the Bucks prevail. (Ex: Bet $10 to win $1.40, $20 to win $2.80, $71.50 to win $10).

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Take the CLIPPERS (-9.5, –125), but wait a bit until shortly before tip-off. We’ll know a lot more about Kawhi’s status leading up to the game. If he were not to play, go lightly. If he is able to play, go a little heavier.

The Hawks are just 1-4 against the spread in the past five games overall, while the Clippers are 5-0 ATS across their past five. The Clips are 5-2 ATS in the last seven games overall, and 13-6 ATS in the past 19 against Southeast Division foes, too.

Over/under (O/U)

The TOTAL 227.5 is just too risky. This game should be right around the number if Leonard is able to play. If he doesn’t go, that’s a huge chunk of offense missing. It’s best to avoid the total in this one due to uncertainty.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander attributes humbleness to his mom’s teachings

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has had a quality start to his second NBA season.

In a season that’s still young, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has emerged as one of the NBA’s top young players.

Gilgeous-Alexander averages 20.1 points a game and leads the Thunder in scoring. He’s second on the team in rebounds behind Steven Adams, and he’s also one of the Thunder’s best 3-point shooters; he’s shooting 40.4% from the 3-point line.

But through all of his success, Gilgeous-Alexander hasn’t been arrogant. According to a story from The Oklahoman’s Joe Mussatto, Gilgeous-Alexander attributes his humbleness to his mother, Charmaine Gilgeous.

Gilgeous was an Olympic sprinter, and she competed in the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain.

Here’s what Gilgeous-Alexander said about what his mom taught him:

“Growing up, with anything we did, she never let us get cocky,” Gilgeous-Alexander said of his mom. “She always told us and showed us to have confidence in ourselves, but never take it overboard. Keep it as confidence.”

Gilgeous-Alexander has taken a leap so far this season. A rookie with the Los Angeles Clippers last season, Gilgeous-Alexander was traded to OKC in the Paul George deal.

Last season, he didn’t take nearly as many shots. Both his field goal attempts and 3-point attempts have gone up. His usage percentage is currently at 25.3%, and last season he finished with an 18.3% usage percentage.

Tied for 25th in the league for points per game, Gilgeous-Alexander is one of three second-year players ranked in the top 25 of the league for scoring, according to NBA.com. Luka Doncic ranks fourth (28.5), and Trae Young ranks seventh (27.3).

With Gilgeous-Alexander being the Thunder’s focal point, he’s primed to continue having a quality sophomore season.

The Thunder will play the Philadelphia 76ers at Chesapeake Energy Arena on Friday night.

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Brandon Ingram to be game-time decision against Clippers

Brandon Ingram is expected to be a game-time decision in the Pelicans showdown with the Los Angeles Clippers with a knee injury.

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After being a late scratch in the Pelicans’ contest against the Rockets on Monday with a knee injury, Brandon Ingram is expected to be a game-time decision on Thursday at home against the Los Angeles Clippers. Officially, the Pelicans list Ingram as questionable on the injury report.

Ingram addressed the media after taking part in individual drills in practice on Wednesday and seemed optimistic about a potential return, calling the injury “not a big deal.”

I feel good. Just continuing to listen to the trainers and the doctors and trying to come in here and see how I feel every day.

Ingram said that he hyper-extended his knee at the end of the Pelicans’ win over Charlotte and the pain had lingered in the days between games. After taking part in the warm-up against the Rockets, Ingram was again bothered by his knee and sat out the contest.

On the season, Ingram is averaging 25.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 53.7 percent from the field and 46.9 percent from beyond the arc. Injuries, though, have nagged Ingram throughout his career as he’s played in just 59 and 52 games in the last two seasons, respectively.

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Pelicans vs. Clippers Preview: Injuries tell tale of two sides on different paths

The New Orleans Pelicans welcome in the Los Angeles Clippers for Paul George’s potential season debut in an anticipated clash.

Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Clippers

When: Thursday, Nov. 14, 8:00 p.m ET

Where: Smoothie King Center

How to watch: Fox Sports New Orleans

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While the New Orleans Pelicans continue to struggle with injuries as Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart each will be out on Thursday, the Los Angeles Clippers enter on an entirely different injury-related path. After going through the opening weeks of the season undermanned, Paul George is expected to make his Clipper debut on Thursday, offering another weapon to one of the sides expected to be amongst the conference’s elites.

George’s status is still officially uncertain for the night but whether it’s Thursday, Saturday or into next week, George will add to the Clippers’ loaded roster. New Orleans, meanwhile, continues to lose players at an alarming rate this season. Hart is the latest edition in the injury report, joining Ball on the sidelines tonight while Brandon Ingram could join them with his status still uncertain. With Zion Williamson still out, the Pelicans are quickly developing a starting five on the injury report that could rival the one put on the court.

There remains the possibility that George doesn’t play on Thursday. With Kawhi Leonard not playing back-to-backs this season and having played on Wednesday, the possibility also remains neither are on the court on Thursday.

The depth the Clippers have, though, can help them absorb the lack of George and Leonard on the court, though they’ve struggled in Leonard’s absence this season. In 236 minutes without Leonard on the floor this season, the Clippers have an offensive rating of 101.3, a defensive rating of 109.3 and a net rating of -8.0. That would rank them the 28th-best offense and the 19th-ranked defense without Leonard this season.

The opportunities will be available with or without George on the court. Whether an undermanned Pelicans team can take advantage of those opportunities will be the key tonight.

Chris Paul felt ‘stabbed in the back’ by trade to Thunder

Paul admitted on the latest episode of “Cold As Balls” with Kevin Hart that being dealt by Houston was “eye-opening” and said he felt “stabbed in the back.”

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Chris Paul may have orchestrated his trade from the LA Clippers to the Houston Rockets back in 2017 but apparently he wasn’t as prepared to move on from the Rockets this summer.

Despite a rumored rift with Rockets star James Harden, during the latest episode of Kevin Hart’s show “Cold As Balls,” Paul admitted that he didn’t see a trade from Houston coming. Kevin Hart asked if Paul felt like the situation was “a little eye-opening” or whether he felt “stabbed in the back.”

“Absolutely,” said Paul. “This last situation was one of them.”

Paul added:

GM there in Houston, he don’t owe me nothing and (when it comes to trades in the NBA, teams will) do whatever they want to do.

The comments come around the 2:55-minute mark.

As Yahoo Sports points out, the trade from Houston is just another memorable event in Paul’s NBA career that includes the banana boat, the failed trade to the Lakers and the fight with Rajon Rondo.

Since landing in Oklahoma City, Paul has been the subject of continual trade rumors. It is reasonable to believe that, should he be dealt to another team, he would see this one coming.

Through 11 games, Paul is averaging 15.3 points and 5.5 assists for the Thunder.

The HoopsHype Daily: From multiple angles, the Rockets and Clippers gave us the funniest game of the year

The Rockets/Clippers rivalry, best known for the post-game tunnel fight a few seasons back, added yet another chapter to their book.

A BOLD PREDICTION: James Harden spoke to Stephen A. Smith prior to Wednesday night’s game against the Clippers and predicted the Rockets were going to win the title this season. The league MVP looks confident in his team’s chances (to say the least), and he’s backing it up with his play in a big way. Houston won their fifth game in a row last night, with Harden accounting for a tidy 47 points, bumping up his scoring average for the season to 38.2 points per contest. If Harden is able to keep up that insane point-per-game mark, it’d be the highest scoring average for a full season since 1962-63, when Wilt Chamberlain averaged 44.8 points for the then-San Francisco Warriors.

🥊 After the game, Russell Westbrook had an interesting comment about longtime rival point guard Patrick Beverley, telling the media that Beverley has them fooled about his defensive prowess, and that he just runs around doing nothing during games. Hilarious.

RIVERS-ON-RIVERS CRIME: Apparently we can’t have a Rockets/Clippers game without a whole bunch of petty drama, because on top of the Westbrook-Beverley stuff, there was also a great moment late in the game when Austin Rivers, who plays for Houston, was lobbying to get his father, Clips head coach Doc Rivers, ejected from the game. It worked, too.

😂 The younger Rivers went on Twitter after the game and said Thanksgiving is about to be awkward.

NEW SIGNING: On Wednesday, the Nets announced the signing of swingman Iman Shumpert. Shumpert averaged 7.5 points and 3.0 rebounds last season, and will provide Brooklyn with experienced depth on the wing.

ICE COLD: Tobias Harris has missed his last 23 three-point attempts, dating back to Nov. 4, a 10-day stretch. He’s 8-for-30 from the floor overall over his last two outings for Philadelphia.

😬 Needless to say, the Sixers are going to need a whole lot more from the guy they made the 13th-highest paid player league-wide this season.

HOT AND FRESH INTERVIEW: Magic forward Al-Farouq Aminu spoke with HoopsHype’s Alex Kennedy about life as a top recruit, his departure from Portland and the new vibe in Orlando. Safe to say he appreciates the warmer weather.

BACK TO THE EAST? Per The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor, Orlando has expressed interest in Spurs swingman DeMar DeRozan. We take a look at his potential fit there.

A NOT-SO-PLEASANT RETURN: Tonight, Kristaps Porzingis returns to play in the Big Apple for the first time since his very public trade request a few years ago. He spoke to SNY about the trade request, Knicks fans and basketball in New York City general. He’s going to be a fun one to watch as he continues to develop.

HE CALLED GAME: One of the early frontrunners for Rookie of the Year, Ja Morant, hit a nasty game-winning layup last night against Charlotte.

KUZMA BREAKDOWN: If Kyle Kuzma is going to be the third star the Lakers need, he’s going to need to improve his shot selection this season, writes HoopsHype’s Bryan Kalbrosky.

LIKE A NEW FERRARI: Chris Bosh spoke to ESPN yesterday and compared playing with LeBron James to buying a new Ferrari. The Lakers improved to 9-2 last night, the league’s second-best record, so it seems Mr. Bosh is onto something with his comparison.

GREAT TEAMMATE: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope catches a lot of heat from Lakers fans on social media due to his poor play (he’s shooting 36.2 percent from the floor this season). Well, Dwight Howard isn’t having it anymore. Howard went on Instagram to defend his teammate, and then expounded on the defense of KCP with the media after the game.

NBA AND SPORTS BETTING: ESPN spoke to various NBA owners to discuss the impact of Adam Silver’s ground-breaking sports better op-ed from five years ago.

CLEAR MIND, NEW PLAYER: After a disappointing sophomore season, Jaylen Brown is thus far having the best year of his career, averaging 19.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. The difference? Brown learned how to handle the anxiety and self-doubt he was dealing with last season, which became especially noticeable when he lost his starting job in November.

BACKLASH HITS 2K LEAGUE TEAM: An NBA 2K League team representing the Milwaukee Bucks is catching flak for holding a graphic design contest – one looking for a new header image for the team’s official twitter account – without a cash prize. When asked for some financial compensation for the artist’s work, Bucks Gaming replied telling the person to “get a job.” Not a great look there.

SALARY QUIZ: WHO’S THIS NBA PLAYER? 🤔

Click here for the answer.

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Rockets win fifth straight as James Harden bests Kawhi Leonard late

James Harden had 47 points and scored 17 in the game’s final six minutes, leading to a Rockets win over Kawhi Leonard’s Clippers in Houston.

James Harden took over Wednesday’s fourth quarter in Houston, scoring 17 points in the final six minutes as the Rockets overcame a four-point deficit with under six minutes left to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers, 102-93. Houston closed the game on a 22-9 run.

For the game, Harden scored 47 points on 12-of-26 shooting, led by a 7-of-13 (53.8%) showing on three-pointers. The 30-year-old guard also had seven assists, six rebounds, and three steals, with the last coming against Clippers superstar and reigning NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kawhi Leonard to seal the win in the final minute.

Clippers guard Pat Beverley, long known as one of the NBA’s toughest isolation defenders, couldn’t stay on the floor long enough to try and slow Harden. Beverley fouled out in just 27 minutes, and longtime rival Russell Westbrook got in a postgame dig at Beverley’s expense after Harden’s 47-point outburst versus a former teammate.

Leonard had 26 points and 12 rebounds, but thanks in large part to strong defense from Houston forward P.J. Tucker, it took him 24 shots to get those 26 points. That made for a much less efficient night in comparison to Harden, who also had more clutch plays late.

Wednesday’s victory was the fifth straight for the Rockets (8-3), and it drops Leonard’s Clippers (7-4) a game behind Houston in the current Western Conference standings. Harden is averaging an astonishing 41.6 points per game during the five-game winning streak, raising his 2019-20 season average to an NBA-leading 38.2 per game.

The league’s reigning scoring champion led the way, but Harden certainly had plenty of help (box score) in the statement win over another West contender. Other highlights included 17 points from Westbrook, a third consecutive 20-rebound game from center Clint Capela, and strong perimeter defense by Tucker and Austin Rivers.

The Clippers’ total of 93 points was the fewest allowed by Houston this season. Opponents have not exceeded 100 in three games of the current five-game winning streak, and the Rockets have the NBA’s top-rated defense in that stretch.

In a potentially ominous development for the defense, Capela left Wednesday’s game in the fourth quarter after his head was hit in a collision with Clippers big man JaMychal Green. Team officials said postgame that they did not know whether Capela had suffered a concussion. If he did, that could make for a challenging back-to-back on Friday at home versus Indiana and Saturday at Minnesota.

Capela’s condition and status for those games will likely be updated at Thursday afternoon’s team practice in Houston.

Tyson Chandler finished Wednesday’s game in Capela’s absence, posting an impressive nine rebounds in 16 minutes and punctuating the victory in the final minute with a reverse jam on a lob — naturally, from Harden after stealing the ball from Leonard.

At 37 years old and in his 19th NBA season, however, Chandler is not a likely candidate for an expanded role if Capela misses time moving forward. The Rockets would likely need to turn to third-year center Isaiah Hartenstein in such a scenario.

Wednesday’s game finished with playoff intensity, and the two rivals won’t have to wait long for the rematch — which comes next Friday, Nov. 22, in Los Angeles. That game could feature a new star duo of Leonard and fellow offseason addition Paul George, who is expected to make his Clippers debut this Thursday in New Orleans.

The Rockets also weren’t close to full strength Wednesday, with wing players Eric Gordon and Danuel House Jr. each out with injuries.

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