The Oklahoma City Thunder have been a pleasant surprise this season. After a play-in appearance last season, they are now chasing their first playoff appearance since 2019–20. They sit just one and a half games behind the top-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves. And this trade deadline was proof enough that they are plotting a deep run into the postseason. Nearly two weeks ago, they acquired Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets in return for Tre Mann, Davis Bertans, Vasilije Micic, and two future second-round picks. While this 33-year-old veteran is a valuable addition to the Thunder’s rotation, the only downside to this trade may be his health.

Hayward has struggled to remain healthy in each of his past five seasons and last played for the Hornets on Dec. 26 when he sustained a calf injury. However, he could debut in the Thunder jersey when OKC faces the Los Angeles Clippers tonight. “If they play me, then I’ll be ready to go,” Hayward told the reporters on Wednesday during his first media availability since being traded. As per Andrew Schlecht of The Athletic, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault also confirmed his availability.

Along with him, their buyout market addition, Bismack Biyombo, could also take the court as a Thunder for the first time in Paycom Center tonight. However, the official injury reports are yet to be released.

LA Clippers vs. OKC Thunder: Predicted starting lineups

The OKC Thunder and the Clippers will go head-to-head for the third time this season. They split the first two meetings, so both teams will be aiming to gain an advantage tonight. The Thunder won their last meeting by 19 points at home, while the Clippers bounced back with an 11-point victory in Los Angeles on Jan. 16. A win tonight is crucial for both teams, given how close they are in the rankings. The Clippers are just half a game shy of catching up to the second-seeded Thunder.

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While the Oklahoma City Thunder are riding high on a two-game winning streak, the Clippers struggled last week heading into the All-Star weekend. After an impressive 9-1 run, they went 2-2 in their last four games. However, after adequate rest, they will hopefully get their footing back against OKC tonight. They could open the game with Terrance Mann, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Ivica Zubac, and James Harden. Meanwhile, the Thunder might start the game with Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, and Lu Dort.

Which team do you think will clinch this crucial victory? Let us know in the comments!

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