For the second time in a week, a massive Western Conference clash between the OKC Thunder and LA Lakers is set for Tuesday night, but under very different circumstances.
The two teams met on Thursday in a matchup featuring two of the West’s top squads, but that game saw Lakers stars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves suffer injuries that are expected to sideline them for several weeks.
Now, the contest shifts into a battle between a Thunder squad pushing for the No. 1 seed and a Lakers team trying to avoid slipping in the standings.
Here’s a preview of this game, scheduled for a 10:30 p.m. ET tipoff.
Thunder vs Lakers Odds
Moneyline: Thunder (-2000) vs Lakers (+950)
Spread: Thunder -16.5 (-110) vs Lakers +16.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Thunder o223.5 (-110) vs Lakers u223.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
Thunder vs Lakers Preview
The Thunder will look to extend their winning streak to six games and notch their 16th victory in the last 17 outings as they head to face the Lakers, whom they have already beaten three times this season. Their first meeting in November ended in a 121-92 rout, followed by a 119-110 win in February and a dominant 139-96 victory in their most recent encounter.
OKC has clearly had the Lakers’ number this season, and in their final regular-season meeting, they are once again favored by double digits.
This matchup carries significant implications for the Thunder, who, with four games remaining, hold a 2.5-game lead over the San Antonio Spurs for the league’s best record, which would secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Meanwhile, the Lakers enter the game at No. 4, having been overtaken by the Denver Nuggets by half a game after Denver’s gritty win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. The Lakers sit at 50-28, just one game ahead of the No. 5 Houston Rockets.
Remaining in the No. 4 or No. 5 spot would likely set up a second-round meeting with the Thunder, while climbing to No. 3 would place them in the bracket with the No. 2 Spurs.
However, the Lakers must focus on the present and regroup quickly after dropping a 134-128 game to the Dallas Mavericks in their first outing since the injuries to Doncic and Reaves.
Injury Reports
For the Thunder, Jalen Williams is out due to right hamstring injury management, while Thomas Sorber remains sidelined for the season following right ACL surgery.
For the Lakers, Doncic (left hamstring strain) and Reaves (left oblique strain) are expected to miss multiple weeks, though Doncic is reportedly in Spain receiving injections to speed up his recovery. Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) is also out, while LeBron James is questionable with left foot injury management.
Starting Lineups
The Thunder are expected to start Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Ajay Mitchell, Lu Dort, Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
The Lakers are expected to start LeBron James, if available, alongside Rui Hachimura, Jake LaRavia, Luke Kennard and Deandre Ayton. If James is unavailable, Jarred Vanderbilt is likely to start in his place.
Prediction
This game is projected to be a dominant win for the Thunder, who have consistently handled the Lakers this season and boast the healthier roster.
Our prediction: Thunder win by 21.
Thunder vs Lakers Props
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander O/U 30.5 points – Take the under.
- Chet Holmgren O/U 15.5 points – Take the over.
- Luke Kennard O/U 14.5 points – Take the over.
- Rui Hachimura O/U 14.5 points – Take the over.
