In the final matchup of the eight-game NBA slate, the Los Angeles Clippers will host the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder. The health of Kawhi Leonard is the biggest variable when projecting the Clippers’ chances of making postseason noise, but the team deserves credit for how they have performed on the season.
Embracing a defensive-oriented style of play and James Harden continuing to produce at an All-Star level in his age-35 season has led this team to a 40-30 record. The Clippers currently sit in seventh place in the Western Conference and are half a game back from climbing to the sixth seed. While the Thunder are a difficult matchup whenever you play them, they will be without Jalen Williams tonight and Chet Holmgren is listed as questionable with a hip issue.
Kawhi Leonard has been limited to 27 games played this season and battled significant minutes limits in several of these games. Across this stretch, he is averaging 19.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game. Leonard has continued to look more like himself with the more games he has gotten under his belt with his movement being especially encouraging of late.
The Thunder enter this game as 2.5-point favorites and -130 on the Moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook. The Clippers hold +110 odds on the moneyline with the game total set at 227.
With the stage set here are my favorite Kawhi Leonard prop bets ahead of the Sunday night matchup.
Best Kawhi Leonard Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Leonard’s props are listed at over/under 20.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.5 made three-pointers and 30.5 combined points, rebounds and assists.
Kawhi Leonard Over 20.5 Points (-120)
When Kawhi Leonard is physically right there is no argument he is among the best talents in the NBA. This has become increasingly infrequent as his career has progressed but the Clippers’ plan to bring him along this season looks to be working. Leonard has gradually seen his workload increase throughout the year and has produced at an especially encouraging rate of late. He enters tonight’s matchup having scored 20+ points in nine of the past 10 games.
Oklahoma City has an impressive defense that ranks second in the league in opponent points allowed and holds teams to the worst overall field goal percentage. However, Jalen Williams would likely be the primary matchup for Leonard and is set to miss tonight. Lu Dort is also listed as questionable.
While the limited minutes skew his averages a bit, Leonard has been scoring at a high rate of late. Across his past 13 games, the two-time Finals MVP is averaging 24.0 points per game and has seen his minutes increase to 35.5 per game. The Clippers can only go as far as Kawhi Leonard can take them and these are the types of matchups he has been preserved for.
Expect the Clippers to bring their best punch as they face the Western Conference leaders. Every game feels like it holds more weight in the playoff race with the season winding down and the Clippers are still figuring out who they are as a basketball team when at full strength. Expect Leonard to have a full green light tonight and record over 20.5 points for the sixth consecutive game.
Kawhi Leonard to Record 25+ Points (+200)
To take it a step further, I think this is a great matchup to take a chance on Kawhi Leonard to record 25+ points at +200 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. Leonard has reached this number in three of his last five games and six of his last 13.
Oklahoma City will throw some solid defense in his direction, but Leonard’s outlook has always been more about his physical status. This is the most encouraging outlook the six-time All-Star has had in quite some time when factoring in production and eye test of his movement. If he is at his best, he can go toe-to-toe with any player in the league, and look for him to have some flashes of this during tonight’s matchup.
Leonard recorded 25+ points in 32 games last season and has a strong stretch to build off. This will be a matchup Los Angeles will be looking to prove they belong among the Western Conference contenders and a victory could open some eyes. Leonard has been at his best when the lights are the brightest before and expect some of this tonight. Don’t be shocked if this is a bit of a throwback performance and look for Leonard to make the most of his offensive chances by scoring 25+ points for the fourth time in the past six games.
