Clippers face Thunder in crucial Western Conference matchup
The Los Angeles Clippers are on a high after winning eight out of nine games. They recently beat the Cleveland Cavaliers, the top team in the East. Now, the Clippers, who are currently in seventh place in the Western Conference, will face a tough challenge against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday in Inglewood, California. The Thunder are the best team in the league right now, having won 12 of their last 13 games. They recently secured the top playoff spot in the Western Conference after the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Milwaukee Bucks. In their last game, the Thunder easily defeated the Charlotte Hornets 141-106. Kawhi Leonard of the Clippers has returned strong after missing the early season with a knee injury. He has averaged over 26 points in his last five games. Other players, including James Harden and Ivica Zubac, are also performing well. Recently added Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a standout, helping the team significantly since joining. The Thunder have a strong history against the Clippers, winning all three matchups this season. They also have a solid record over the past three years, leading 8-2 overall. Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the top scorer in the league with an average of 32.9 points per game. As the Thunder prepare for two games in California, they are managing a few injuries. Jalen Williams, one of their key players, is currently sidelined with a hip issue. Head coach Mark Daigneault praised the team's ability to maintain a high level of play despite these challenges. The Clippers are looking to improve their position in the playoffs as they compete against a very strong Thunder team.