Preview: Struggling Clippers Face NBA-Leading Thunder OKLAHOMA CITY (Interstat) — The Los Angeles Clippers, mired in a difficult season, face a monumental challenge Wednesday night when they visit the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. The matchup pits the league’s hottest team against one of its coldest. The Thunder (24-2) boast the NBA’s best record and have won 14 of their last 15 games, their only recent blemish a 111-109 home loss to San Antonio on Dec. 13. Conversely, the Clippers (6-19) have lost eight of their last ten, including a 113-115 heartbreaker in Houston last Thursday. Oklahoma City dominated the first meeting this season, a 126-107 victory in Los Angeles on Nov. 4. The Thunder’s elite offense, which leads the league in scoring and efficiency, will test a Clippers defense that has consistently struggled. All eyes will be on Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP frontrunner averaging 32.1 points per game. He has scored at least 26 points in ten consecutive contests, including a 40-point outing against Minnesota on Nov. 26. His blend of scoring and playmaking anchors the league’s most potent attack. For the Clippers, center Ivica Zubac has been a bright spot amid the losses. He is coming off a career-high 33-point performance against Houston and has recorded nine double-doubles in his last twelve games, including an 18-point, 18-rebound effort against Cleveland on Nov. 23. His interior production will be vital against Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren. The Clippers will need major contributions from stars Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, who combined for 46 points in the loss to Houston. However, slowing down the Thunder’s juggernaut, which has won by an average of 22.5 points in its last eight victories, seems a daunting task. Following this game, the Thunder embark on a quick road trip to Minnesota on Friday. The Clippers continue a tough stretch, hosting the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday.