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Two of the top teams in the Western Conference will collide on Wednesday as the LA Lakers visit the conference-leading OKC Thunder, who are playing the second night of a back-to-back.
Despite dealing with key players in and out of the lineup due to injuries, the Lakers sit fourth in the West with an 8-3 record. The Thunder, meanwhile, improved their league-best record to 11-1 after routing the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
Here’s a preview of this LA Lakers vs OKC Thunder game, scheduled to tip off at 9:30 p.m. ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma.
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LA Lakers vs OKC Thunder Preview and Odds
Moneyline: Lakers (+215) vs Thunder (-272)
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Spread: Lakers +6.5 (-115) vs Thunder -6.5 (-105)
Total (O/U): Lakers 229.5 (-110) vs Thunder u229.5 (-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.
LA Lakers vs OKC Thunder preview
The Lakers have won six of their last seven games and enter the defending champions’ home court shooting a league-best 51.2%. Despite its strong efficiency, Los Angeles ranks ninth in offensive rating at 117.2, while Oklahoma City sits slightly higher at seventh with a 118.5 rating.
Defensively, the Lakers are 22nd in the league with a 116.2 rating, compared to the Thunder’s league-best mark of 104.1.
Beyond being a battle between two elite teams, this matchup also showcases an MVP-caliber showdown between Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Doncic is averaging a massive 37.1 points, 9.1 assists and 9.4 rebounds per game -- though he has only appeared in seven contests. Gilgeous-Alexander has been just as impressive, putting up 32.8 ppg, 6.4 apg and 5.2 rpg while playing in all of OKC’s games.
The Lakers will have a slight rest advantage after having a day off, but the Thunder managed to give their starters extra rest on Tuesday, as most only played through the first three quarters of their blowout win over Golden State.
According to the Lakers’ injury report, LeBron James, Gabe Vincent and Adou Thiero remain out. The Thunder have yet to release their official report, but Jalen Williams is expected to remain sidelined.
LA Lakers vs OKC Thunder betting tips
- Luka Doncic O/U 31.5 points – Take the over.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander O/U 31.5 points – Take the over.
- Austin Reaves O/U 22.5 points – Take the over.
- Chet Holmgren O/U 17.5 points – Take the over.
LA Lakers vs OKC Thunder prediction
Even on the second night of a back-to-back, the Thunder’s system has proven capable of dominating without being at full strength. With their starters well-rested after Tuesday’s blowout win, expect another strong performance at home.
Our prediction: Thunder win by 11.
Warriors Nation! You can check out the latest Golden State Warriors Schedule and dive into the Warriors Depth Chart for NBA Season 2024-25.
