The Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder have both emerged as juggernauts in the Western Conference this season. The Lakers stand in fourth in the standings with an 8-3 record while the Thunder have recorded only one loss in their 12 games played so far. So far, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and co. are on a three-game winning streak which well explains how they are continuing their dominant run so far as the reigning champions.
The Lakers have also had a strong start to this season, despite LeBron James’ absence. They have won six of their last seven games and are shooting a league-best 51.2% from the field. However, despite this efficiency, the Lakeshow rank ninth in offensive rating at 117.2 while OKC stands slightly higher at seventh with a 118.5 rating.
So, how will the teams fare against each other? Let’s find out.
Lakers vs Thunder Prediction
While the Lakers have a great shooting efficiency (league best) at the moment, defensively they rank 22nd in the league. Comparing this to the Thunder, they have a league-best defensive rating of 104.1.
This matchup will also bring us a showdown between the Lakers’ MVP potential star Luka Doncic and the reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. At the moment, Doncic is averaging a terrific 37.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 9.4 rebounds in seven game appearances so far. Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t quite far either, putting up 32.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game in all of his appearances for OKC.
This will be a back-to-back matchup for the Thunder but there isn’t much to worry. OKC has built a team that is capable of dominating even if they aren’t at their best. In Tuesday’s game against the Golden State Warriors, the OKC starters were well rested and still managed to clinch a blowout win. And now, with homecourt advantage, expect them to grab another win against the Lakers. As per ESPN‘s matchup predictor, the Thunder have a 78.1% chance to win this game.
Lakers vs Thunder starting lineup
Lakers starting lineup
PG Austin Reaves
SG Dalton Knecht
SF Rui Hachimura
PF Jake LaRavia
C DeAndre Ayton
Thunder starting lineup
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG: Ajay Mitchell
SF: Cason Wallace
PF: Chet Holmgren
C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Injury Report
For the Lakers, Gabe Vincent and LeBron James still remain out. Gabe Vincent, who was suffering from an ankle injury, has been ramping up on his on-court work. However, he is still not cleared for one-on-one contact workout yet. James, on the other hand, has been cleared for contact basketball activities and he can be expected to return by November 18.
For Thunder, Jalen Williams (wrist injury), Aaron Wiggins (thigh), and Lu Dort have been ruled out of the game. Guard Nikola Topic also remains out until February 20 after he was recently diagnosed with testicular cancer. This news was announced by GM Sam Presti earlier in October.
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