The Oklahoma City Thunder and LA Lakers meet Saturday in NBA Game 3 at the crypto.com Arena. Here’s a Lakers vs. Thunder Prediction. This article will include a Lakers vs. Thunder Pick.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder look to go up 3-0 and haven’t lost a game since April 12. The Thunder have won 13 of their last 15 games.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 120.7 points on 49 percent shooting and allowing 105.5 points on 44.6 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 29.2 points and 6.7 assists, while Jalen Williams is averaging 20.5 points and 4 rebounds. Chet Holmgren is the third double-digit scorer, and Ajay Mitchell is grabbing 4.2 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 37.7 percent from beyond the arc and 86.1 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 34 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 42 rebounds per game.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers have lost 4 of their last 5 games and need a win here to have any chance at advancing. The Lakers have won 20 of their last 28 games.
The LA Lakers are averaging 100.5 points on 46.8 percent shooting and allowing 98.7 points on 40.9 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 23.6 points and 6.1 rebounds, while Austin Reaves is averaging 19 points and 3.5 rebounds. Rui Hachimura is the third double-digit scorer, and Marcus Smart is grabbing 3.8 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 37.7 percent from beyond the arc and 75 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 30.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 40 rebounds per game.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their eight previous Western Conference Semifinals home games against Northwest Division opponents following a loss.
- The Thunder have lost five of their last seven playoff games as road favorites following a win.
- The Thunder have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine playoff road games following a win.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in six of their last seven games as home underdogs.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their last 15 games following a home win.
- The Lakers have lost each of their last eight night games against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last eight night games against the Lakers.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Lakers’ last six home games has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Thunder’s last four road games has gone OVER the total points line.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Luke Kennard ranks 1st amongst qualified players for 3P% (47.8%) this season.
- LeBron James ranks 1st amongst qualified players for fast break points per game (5.7) this season.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Facts
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the only player in the league to have recorded 15+ assists without a turnover in a game this season.
- Cason Wallace ranks 1st in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for steals per game (1.9) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.5).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for field goal percentage this season (50.2%).
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+11.1).
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for opponent field goal percentage this season (43.7%).
Lakers vs Thunder Injury Report
The Thunder will be without Thomas Sober and Jalen Williams.
Luka Dončić is out for the Lakers. Jarred Vanderbilt is questionable with a dislocated finger.
Lakers vs Thunder Prediction
The Lakers will be more comfortable at home but they’re still undermanned and outclassed. The venue doesn’t change much. The Thunder are 7-0 ATS and SU in the last 7 games against the Lakers and none of those games were competitive. The Lakers would’ve had their hands full in this series even with Luka. Without him, there’s pretty much no chance. Also, with games being every other day, this aging Lakers roster just doesn’t have a chance to catch its breath. There’s not much left to say for this series. Give the Thunder a double-digit victory.