The LA Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder meet Thursday in NBA action at the Paycom Center. Here’s a Thunder vs. Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Thunder vs. Lakers Pick.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers beat the Wizards and Cavs and play the Mavs next. The Lakers have won 26 of their last 36 games.
The LA Lakers are averaging 116.6 points on 50 percent shooting and allowing 114.9 points on 48.3 percent shooting. Luka Doncic is averaging 33.4 points and 7.9 rebounds, while Austin Reaves is averaging 23.5 points and 4.8 rebounds. LeBron James is the third double-digit scorer, and Deandre Ayton is grabbing 8.3 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 35.8 percent from beyond the arc and 76.5 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 35.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Pistons and Knicks and then will play the Jazz next. The Thunder have won 20 of their last 23 games.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 118.7 points on 48.2 percent shooting and allowing 107.6 points on 43.5 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.4 points and 6.6 assists, while Jalen Williams is averaging 17.2 points and 4.7 rebounds. Chet Holmgren is the third double-digit scorer, and Ajay Mitchell is grabbing 3.5 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc and 81.9 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 36.6 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44.1 rebounds per game.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their last 10 home games.
- The Lakers have lost each of their last four night games against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last six home games after coming off overtime.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four night games against Thunder teams that held a winning record.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their last five games as underdogs.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last seven games following a home win.
- The Thunder have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four night games against Western Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Thunder’s last nine home games after coming off overtime has gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Lakers’ last six road games following a home win has gone UNDER the total points line.
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 2nd amongst qualified players for steals per game (2.0) this season.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Luka Doncic ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points per game (33.8) this season.
- Luke Kennard ranks 1st amongst qualified players for 3P% (49.1%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+11.0).
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for opponent field goal percentage this season (43.5%).
- 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%).
Thunder vs Lakers Injury Report
The Thunder will be without Thomas Sorber. Alex Caruso is questionable.
Marcus Smart is out for the Lakers.
Thunder vs Lakers Prediction
This is a nice test for the Lakers, who have beaten up on subpar competition for most of the last two weeks. The Thunder are going to be favored whenever, especially at home. However, this is a lot of points for a Lakers team that’s red hot and trying to lock up the third seed in the west. Also, as I continue to say, OKC wins but is 35-40-1 ATS on the season. The Thunder have covered just 4 of their last 10 games. Since February 12, the Thunder are 5-9 ATS when favorites of 7 or more points. The Thunder aren’t the cash cows they’ve been in years past. Give me the points with the Lakers.