The Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder duke it out once again at the Paycom Center on Tuesday night. Here’s a Thunder vs Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Thunder vs Lakers Pick.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been in great shape as they’ve won 18 of their last 21 games overall, but they will be eager to snap a two-game skid after getting trounced by the Lakers in a 126-99 home defeat on Sunday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 26 points and nine assists on 12 of 23 shooting, Jalen Williams added 16 points and Chet Holmgren chipped in with 10 points, but no other player finished in double figures in scoring. As a team, the Thunder shot 43 percent from the field and 12 of 37 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Lakers from the start and were always fighting an uphill battle after getting outscored by 78-56 in the first half. Kenrich Williams finished with just five points on two of seven shooting, while Aaron Wiggins shot just one of six for his four points. The Thunder will play the Suns, Jazz, and Pelicans next.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are starting to heat up at the right time, as they won five of their last seven games overall. They will be aiming for a third-straight victory after blowing past the Thunder in a big statement road win on Sunday. Luka Doncic led the team with 30 points, seven rebounds, and six assists, Austin Reaves added 20 points and LeBron James chipped in with 19 points and seven assists. As a team, the Lakers shot 54 percent from the field and an efficient 22 of 40 from the 3-point line as they caught fire early and set the tone with 78 points in the first half. They just kept their foot on the gas to outscore the Thunder in every quarter.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Lakers have lost each of their last 14 road games on the first leg of a back-to-back after winning as underdogs.
- The Thunder have won each of their last 11 games on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six road games on the first leg of a back-to-back after winning as underdogs.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last six night games at Paycom Center.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their last 10 games against Western Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Thunder have lost six of their last seven home games against Lakers teams that held a winning record.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in 12 of their last 13 games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Thunder have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five home games against Lakers teams that held a winning record.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for point differential per game this season (+12.5).
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for steals per game this season (10.3).
- The Lakers rank 30th in the league for field goal attempts per game this season (85.5).
- The Lakers rank 2nd in the league for free throws made per game this season (18.3).
Thunder vs Lakers Prediction
The Thunder are still missing Ousmane Dieng, and they have Jaylin Williams listed as questionable, while the Lakers are keeping eyes on Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Gabe Vincent, and Austin Reaves, who are all questionable. This is definitely one of those games where you should check the lineups before tipoff, given the injury cloud hanging over the Lakers. With that being said, it is always tough to beat the same team twice in a row, especially with the distraction of so many players on the injury report. So, I will side with the Thunder to come out swinging and get their revenge at home.