Thunder Seek Playoff Positioning Against Clippers

Oklahoma City looks to extend season series lead in late-season matchup

Apr. 9, 2026 at 5:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract basketball game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers, with the players' forms broken down into overlapping planes of navy blue, orange, red, and white.The Thunder and Clippers clash in a crucial late-season showdown, with both teams jockeying for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.Oklahoma City Today

The Oklahoma City Thunder (63-16) will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers (41-38) in a crucial late-season NBA matchup. The Thunder have already won the first two games of the season series and will look to further solidify their playoff positioning with a win on the road.

Why it matters

With the playoffs just around the corner, this game holds significant importance for both teams. The Thunder are jockeying for position atop the Western Conference standings, while the Clippers are fighting to secure a postseason berth. The outcome of this game could have major implications on the final seeding in the West.

The details

The Thunder will be without forward Thomas Sorber, who is recovering from right knee surgery. The Clippers will have their full roster available for the matchup. Oklahoma City won the first two meetings between the teams earlier in the season, winning by double digits in both contests.

  • The game will tip off at 9:00 PM CT on April 08, 2026.
  • This is the third and final regular-season matchup between the Thunder and Clippers.

The players

Thomas Sorber

A forward for the Oklahoma City Thunder who is currently sidelined due to right knee surgery.

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What they’re saying

“We know the Clippers will be a tough test, but our guys are ready to compete and secure another important win as we gear up for the playoffs.”

— Mark Daigneault, Head Coach, Oklahoma City Thunder

What’s next

The Thunder will look to carry the momentum from this game into their final few regular-season contests as they jockey for playoff positioning in the Western Conference.

The takeaway

This late-season matchup between the Thunder and Clippers holds significant weight, with both teams vying for their respective goals in the final stretch of the regular season. The outcome could have major implications on the final seeding in the West.