The Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder collide at the Paycom Center on Saturday night. Here’s a Lakers vs Thunder Prediction.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have been in a rut lately as they’ve lost five of their last seven games and they will be hoping to snap a four-game slide after getting beaten by the Timberwolves in a 118-111 road defeat on Thursday. Anthony Davis led the team with 31 points, eight rebounds and four assists, Austin Reaves added 20 points, eight rebounds and five assists off the bench while Rui Hachimura chipped in with 18 points. As a team, the Lakers shot 49 percent from the field and 10 of 24 from the 3-point line as they worked hard to take the lead late in the third quarter, before the Timberwolves surged back ahead and never allowed the Lakers back in the contest. LeBron James sat out this game and he is currently listed as questionable for Saturday. The Lakers will take on the Celtics after this one.
Los Angeles Lakers Team Facts
- The Lakers have lost each of their last seven road games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in each of the Lakers’ last six games.
- Each of the Lakers’ last nine road games have gone OVER the total points line.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been in great shape as they’ve won seven of their last nine games overall and they will be aiming for a fourth straight victory after blowing past the Clippers in a 134-115 win on Thursday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 31 points, eight rebounds and four assists, Chet Holmgren added 23 points with seven assists on nine of 11 shooting while Luguentz Dort chipped in with 21 points on eight of 12 shooting. As a team, the Thunder shot a healthy 58 percent from the field and 16 of 34 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 35 points in the first quarter to jump out in front early, before they exploded for 45 points in the third quarter to put the game to bed early.
Oklahoma City Thunder Team Facts
- The Thunder have won each of their last nine night games at Paycom Center.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in nine of their last 10 night games at Paycom Center.
- Each of the Thunder’s last nine home games against Pacific Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Lakers vs Thunder Prediction
The Lakers could be shorthanded here with Rui Hachimura, Anthony Davis and LeBron James all questionable, while the Thunder have ruled out Josh Giddey with an ankle sprain. This is definitely a game where you want to check the lineups before tipoff, but the Thunder are favorites here regardless as they’re clearly the hotter team and I think they represent decent value with the line so short at home.
