We will see a few exciting matchups this evening in the NBA, including the duel between Los Angeles Lakers vs OKC Thunder, scheduled for Saturday, 03:00 AM BST.
With that in mind, I have a few Los Angeles Lakers vs OKC Thunder predictions to share with you, along with a full Lakers vs Thunder preview that includes team form, current injuries and other news, plus the latest Lakers vs Thunder odds.
So, let's take a closer look at this game and what we can expect from it.
Los Angeles Lakers vs OKC Thunder predictions
Moneyline
Los Angeles Lakers to win
5/4
Total points
Under 230
9/10
To score 25+ points
Anthony Davis
4/6
All odds for my Lakers vs Thunder picks were taken from Paddy Power and are subject to change at any time.
Los Angeles Lakers to win
Before losing their last two home games to the Magic and the Nuggets, the Lakers were on a streak of seven wins in a row at home, so they're clearly dangerous at home no matter the opposition.
That being said, the Thunder are one of the best teams in the league and they're currently the top seed in the West, coming into this game after winning three in a row. Still, they are without Holmgren and Caruso, two important players, which is why Lakers to win tonight is the first of my Lakers vs Thunder tips.
Under 230 total points
The Thunder are the second-best defense so far this season in the league, allowing their opponents just 103.8 points per game. Meanwhile, the Lakers don't defend nearly as well and allow their opponents 116.6 points per game.
That being said, the Lakers have Davis who is a great rim-protector, which should take away some of SGA's easy points from drives to the basket. Also, the last three duels between LA and OKC have gone under 230 total points, which is why that's the second of my Lakers vs Thunder picks for tonight.
Anthony Davis to score 25+ points
The last of my Lakers vs Thunder tips is for Anthony Davis to score 25+ points. Just looking at his averages this season, Davis is scoring 29.2 points per game, which is already a good sign for my bet.
On top of that, the Thunder are thin under the basket with Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams out, leaving only Isaiah Hartenstein as a viable center on the team and even he only recently returned from an injury. So, Davis should have plenty of opportunities to score tonight and I can see him going for at least 25 points. For those braver, Davis to score 30+ points sounds tempting.
Lakers vs Thunder preview – teams news, injuries, and predicted lineups
Los Angeles Lakers preview and latest news
After three losses in a row, the Lakers managed to end this poor streak with an emphatic win over the in-form Spurs, in San Antonio. A win over the top-seeded Thunder would further boost their confidence and get them closer to the top of the Western Conference standings.
Jaxson Hayes, Jarred Vanderbilt, Bronny James, Jalen Hood-Schifino, and Christian Wood are on the team's injury list coming into this game.
The Lakers are 11-7 heading into this game.
Lakers starting lineup: Reddish, Reaves, James, Hachimura, Davis
OKC Thunder preview and latest news
After two narrow losses against San Antonio and Dallas, the OKC Thunder immediately returned to their winning ways, notching three wins in a row. The last one came against Golden State Warriors, who were the second seed in the West ahead of that game.
Oklahoma City are still without a few injured players, including important rotation pieces like Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, and Alex Caruso.
The Thunder enter this game with an 14-4 record.
Thunder starting lineup: Gilgeous-Alexander, Wallace, Dort, Williams, Hartenstein
An avid sports fan and bettor, with a soft spot for basketball, tennis, and football. New to the MFT's unique community and very glad to be here.
