Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Predictions, Odds & Picks
While both the Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder have their eyes on victory, bettors are also interested in seeing if LeBron James can break the NBA's all-time scoring record! The Los Angeles Lakers are currently 13th in the Western conference with a 25-29 overall record and a 12-17 road record. The Oklahoma City Thunder are sitting at 12th in the Western Conference with a 25-28 overall record and a 16-11 home record.
This will be the first meeting between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder this season. Through the 2021-2022 NBA regular season, the Lakers and Thunder split the season series 2-2. When they face off on Tuesday night, the Oklahoma City will have home court advantage!
Injury Report
The Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder aren't far off of one another in the Western Conference standings, and their form will determine their chances. The Lakers lost their last game, against the New Orleans Pelicans, and have gone 5-5 over their last 10 matches. The Oklahoma City Thunder lost their last game and have gone 5-5 over their last 10 matches.
The Lakers are a team that likes to get out and run for opportunities, averaging 117.1 points (6th in the NBA) on 48.1% from the field (9th in the NBA), but just 33.6% from three-point range (26th in the NBA). Los Angeles were incredibly poor defensively in their last outing, allowing 131 points on 52.0% from the field despite allowing their opponents just nine threes on 30.0% shooting. The Thunder are a fast-paced team in their own right, averaging 117.3 points per game (5th in the NBA) on 92.8 attempts per game (1st in the NBA) which explains their 101.1 pace (6th in the NBA). The Thunder dropped their last game, a 114-141 loss to the Warriors, as they couldn't control the three-point line - allowing their opponents 26 threes on 52.0% efficiency.
Take into account the fact that the Oklahoma City Thunder may be missing their best perimeter defender in Luguentz Dort for this matchup. This game won't see a lot of half-court play, but when it comes to that the Lakers should have the advantage through Lebron James and Anthony Davis. We're taking the Lakers in what should be a huge night for LeBron James.
Total: Over 237.5 (-110) @ Caesars Sportsbook
The total for this game is definitely something to keep an eye on given the Lakers' and Thunder's inclination toward the offensive side of the ball. On the season, the Lakers are averaging a combined points total of 235.5 on a minus-1.3 points differential. The Thunder are averaging a combined 233.2 on a plus-1.3 points differential.
Let's take a look at these teams' recent form when considering how they'll fare against the total. Over their last 10 games, the Lakers have averaged a combined points total of 237.1 points on a minus-2.3 points differential, while clearing 237.5 in five of those matches. The Thunder have averaged a combined 244.0 points on a minus-5.7 points differential while clearing 237.5 combined just four times through that 10-game run.
Given both of these teams' propensity for the offensive end, we're taking the over in this matchup. It'll be an up-and-down affair, and with LeBron James' scoring record opportunity available expect the pace to be rapid. The Thunder are actually an aggressive defensive team, but it doesn't do much to keep the score down.
How to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
- Who: Los Angeles Lakers & Oklahoma City Thunder
- Where: crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- When: 10:00 PM EST, Tuesday, February 7th, 2023
- How to Watch: TNT, NBA League Pass (Stream)
AUTHOR
Christian Jope
943 Articles
Christian Jope is a writer, social media strategist, and data analyst. A Queen’s University Alumni, Christian is an author and social media strategist with Raptors Cage, while also working closely with MLSE and Canada Basketball through community-driven events.
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