The much-awaited showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunders and LA Clippers is poised to occur on 24th February in the PayCom Center. With both teams having a brilliant 2023-24 NBA season, it will be an exciting spectacle for the fans on either side of the court. Both teams are separated by the barest of margins regarding points difference on the table.
The Clippers are currently placed 4th in the Western Conference, while the Thunders are one spot above them, sitting in 3rd position. During their last 4 head to head games, both teams have won twice, so that this upcoming contest will serve as a tie-breaker. Thunders will host the Clippers on their home turf and relish the home advantage amidst their loud and loyal fans.
Chet Holmgren: A Breif Overview
The one exciting prospect that stands out for the Thunders this season is 21-year-old Chet Holmgren. The young power forward plays with the number 7 shirt for the Oklahoma City Thunders, and it is the debut season of his professional career.
Holmgren was drafted as the 2nd overall in the 2022 NBA draft by the Oklahoma City Thunders. He was the number one player in the 2021 class and was honored to be a consensus five-star recruit. He played for the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the college basketball.
Born in Minnesota on 1st May 2002, Holmgren started playing basketball under the shadow of his father, who played for the University of Minnesota. During his freshman year at Minnehaha Academy, Holmgren maintained an average of 6.2 points and three rebounds per game, contributing to his team’s victory in the Class 2A state championship for the second consecutive year.
Progressing into his sophomore season, Holmgren significantly improved, achieving averages of 18.6 points and 11 rebounds per game and leading his team to secure another Class 2A state title. Following this successful season, he showcased his talents with Grassroots Sizzle, his Amateur Athletic Union team, during the Under Armour Association, where he earned the title of tournament most valuable player.
This accomplishment cemented his status as one of the top-ranked players in the 2021 class, consequently attracting increased interest from NCAA Division I programs. Holmgren was drafted by the Thunders with the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, making him the highest-selected draft pick ever taken out of Gonzaga and the highest-drafted pick from Minnesota.
Chet Holmgren: Stats And Analysis
Chet Thomas Holmgren is having a remarkable season for the Thunders and will undoubtedly play a huge role against the Clippers on the 24th of February. The forward center averages 16.9 points per game, along with 7.5% rebounds in the 2023-24 NBA season. He has also contributed 2.8 assists per game for Oklahoma City.
The power forward has an FG percentage of 53.5%. Fans of the Thunders and Holmgren eagerly anticipate the young talent to showcase his offensive prowess in the upcoming clash against the LA Clippers.
The LA Clippers guards must be wary of the 21-year-old power forward to possibly carve out an away victory. Meanwhile, Holmgren will be looking to make vital contributions for the Thunders to get them a sweeping victory in the PayCom Center.
Moreover, various Best DFS Sites provide the odds for the game at Paycom Centre. Clippers are the favorite to win the game with the odds of -244. However, fans can also bet on the underdog Thunder, who are set at the odds of +198.
Thunders Verses Clippers
Holmgren’s Thunders have won 35 games this season while losing 16 times. The LA Clippers are just below them with 34 victories and 16 defeats. There isn’t much difference between the two teams. The home record of the Oklahoma City Thunders is 20-6, and the away record is 15-10 respectively. Conversely, the Clippers have a home record of 19-5 and an away record of 15-11.
However, when it comes to their all-time head-to-head record against each other, Thunders is leading by a landslide. Both sides have met each other 230 times in the regular season. In those 230 games, Thunders came out victorious 144 times, while the Clippers managed to secure a win in 86 matches.
The last time they faced each other on January 17th, the Clippers secured a home win with the final scoreline of 128-117. Thunders are the hosts this time, and they will look to avenge the defeat in front of their home support.
Chet Holmgren will play a significant role in the Thunders and could influence the game’s outcome. Thunder fans are relying heavily on the power forward to turn up against the Clippers. He is a bright prospect for the Thunders and has put in extra effort to get them beyond the finish line in recent games.
Final Thoughts
The February 24th fixture is a high-voltage spectacle that is anticipated by a large number of basketball fans. The Thunders and Clippers fans are excited for the contest to take place as they root for their favorite players. With both teams putting in solid performances this NBA season, the February 24th clash at the PayCom Center is expected to be a thriller.