Shootout at the OK Corral

While much of the talk of dominant teams has centered around the Eastern Conference and the Bucks and Sixers, specifically. Understandable considering the fact that they were the last two unbeaten teams. But there are two Western Conference teams that have been steamrolling just about every opponent that's come their way - the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers.

This will be their second matchup so far this season. The first came in week two, and the Thunder got the best of the Clippers in that battle, beating them 116-99. In that matchup, both teams were largely healthy for that meeting. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for this week 7 rematch. Both teams are going to be without some of their biggest names which will really test both teams' limits. 

The Clippers are missing Clint Capela, Marc Gasol and OG Anunoby. The Thunder lose Lebron, Draymond Green, and Hassan Whiteside. Both of these teams have enough depth to dispatch most of their opponents despite the injuries, but they are both significantly weakened, without a doubt.

Projected Matchups

C: DeAndre Jordan vs. Enes Kanter

These are two very opposite playing styles. Kanter is seeing the least playing time in his career, averaging less than 16 minutes per game. Despite not seeing a lot of floor time, Kanter remains one of the league's strongest rebounders. And he can get buckets when called upon. But he plays no defense. Jordan, on the other hand, is all about defense. However, with Lebron out and with Kanter's weak D, we could potentially see a good scoring game from Jordan.

PF: Carmelo Anthony vs. Jayson Tatum

Assuming LA sticks with this lineup that took down the Sixers, Tatum will be matching up against Melo, and the Thunder will be missing Draymond Green immensely. If this is indeed the matchup, look for Tatum to have a monster game because Carmelo is old and allergic to defense.

SF: Kawhi Leonard vs. Jaylen Brown

Brown is a strong defender, but so is Jayson Tatum. And Kawhi dropped 39 on him. If Brown can keep Leonard under 40 in this game, consider it a good game for him. On the offensive side, I wouldn't expect much from Brown as the offense will likely be funneling through Tatum and Walker.

SG: Danny Green vs. Victor Oladipo

Danny Green is an excellent defender and did a pretty good job frustrating Jaylen Brown in their first meeting. Brown went 7-19 and Green had five steals in OKC's win against LA  in week 2. LA will probably play Oladipo in this slot this week so they don't have to worry about Green tying up Kemba Walker. And I'd expect Green to do a pretty good job containing Oladipo. 

PG: Seth Curry vs. Kemba Walker

Even though Kemba Walker played at SG last week and had a monster game against Philly, LA would be wise to move Walker into the PG slot to take advantage of Lebron James' absence. And Kemba should run wild over the lesser Curry.


The Bench
OKC: Damian Jones, Luka Samanic, Cody Martin, Jalen McDaniels, Deividas Sirvydis, Jontay Porter

LAC: John Collins, Kevin Huerter, Isaiah Stewart, Jahmius Ramsey, Nick Richards, Mfiondu Kabengele

The Clippers bench should outscore the Thunder bench significantly. John Collins should have a field day.


Prediction:
Though the Thunder shouldn't likely struggle this week against other opponents, despite missing James, Green and Whiteside, the Clippers are just too stacked for Oklahoma City to overcome that. LA has all of their top scorers primed and ready to go and they should be able to exploit the Thunder's missing pieces. 

LA Clippers by 15.