Clippers' efficient offense faces NBA's top defense in Oklahoma City

The LA Clippers (42-40), third in the NBA in true shooting last season, visit the Oklahoma City Thunder (64-18) and the league's best defense on Sunday, October 25. Tipoff is at 7:00 PM ET.

All records and rankings here are from last season, with this season's rosters. The Clippers shot 60.2% on true shooting and ranked third in free-throw rate at 0.295. Oklahoma City allowed a 51.9 effective field goal percentage, second in the league, and posted a defensive rating of 105.8, first.

The Thunder also took the ball away. Opponents turned it over on 14% of possessions, second in the league. The Clippers' own turnover rate of 12.5% ranked 19th, and their pace was 28th-fastest, which limits the possessions they can use to catch up.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 points and 6.6 assists on 55.3% shooting. Isaiah Hartenstein added 9.4 rebounds in 47 games, which matters for a Thunder team that ranked 28th in offensive rebounding.

Darius Garland averaged 6.7 assists in 45 games for the Clippers, and Kris Dunn led the team with 1.6 steals. Los Angeles will be without its top scorer: Brandon Ingram, who averaged 21.5 points, is out until Sunday, November 8, as are Bradley Beal and Max Strus. Two more Clippers are out.

Oklahoma City has three players out. Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber are out until Monday, October 26, and Otega Oweh is out until Thursday, July 1.

Both teams have played twice this season. The Thunder beat the Nuggets 96-84 at home and won 116-104 at San Antonio. The Clippers lost 125-117 at the Lakers after a 121-96 home win over Sacramento.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Thunder an 89% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, puts it at 81%.