The Oklahoma City Thunder (36-37) versus the Los Angeles Lakers (36-37) promises to be an encounter of massive proportions. The two teams are 11th and 10th, respectively, in the Western Conference and in a tight race to qualify for the playoffs. The Lakers will host the matchup at the Crypto.com Arena on Friday.
The Thunder had to suffer a defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers (127-105) last night. It was a tough game up until the third quarter when the Clippers stormed through the Thunder’s defense, outscoring them 38-26. Kawhi Leonard seems to be back in form and finished the game with 32 points, shooting 13/15 from the field. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the scoring for the Thunder with 30 points, but it wasn’t enough. The Thunder will now face another Los Angeles team, the Lakers, who are enjoying a two-game winning streak and are active in the playoff race.
The Lakers put up a good show against the Suns (122-111), led by Anthony Davis (27). Austin Reaves (25) showcased his talent on the big stage, along with D’Angelo Russell (25), who looked good on the night. The Lakers are now 6-4 in their last 10 games as they look to secure one more home win.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers: Match Details
Fixture: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles Lakers
Date & Time: Friday, March 24, 10:30 p.m ET
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers: Injury Report
There are a few injury worries surrounding the two teams. Aleksej Pokusevski is still unavailable for the Thunder due to a knee injury. Kenrich Williams is out for the season with a wrist injury. Chet Holmgren is also out for the season with a foot injury.
Anthony Davis is probable for the Lakers because of a foot problem whereas LeBron James misses because of a foot injury. Mo Bamba is out until mid-April due to an ankle injury.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers: Injury List
| Player | Team | Status | Injury |
| Aleksej Pokusevski | Oklahoma City Thunder | Out | Knee |
| Knerich Williams | Oklahoma City Thunder | Out | Wrist |
| Chet Holmgren | Oklahoma City Thunder | Out | Foot |
| Anthony Davis | Los Angeles Lakers | Out | Foot |
| LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers | Out | Foot |
| Mo Bamba | Los Angeles Lakers | Out | Ankle |
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers: Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +180 | +5.5 (-110) | O 232.5 (-110) |
| Los Angeles Lakers | -220 | -5.5 (-110) | U 232.5 (-110) |
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers: Starting 5s
Thunder: F Jalen Williams, F Luguentz Dort, C Jaylin Williams, G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G Josh Giddey
Lakers: F Jarred Vanderbilt, F Troy Brown Jr., C Anthony Davis, G Austin Reaves, G D’Angelo Russell
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers: Betting Prediction
The three-game series between the two teams is currently tied at one apiece. The Lakers will now host the third and final game tonight, looking for a win with hopes of staying alive in the playoff race. The two teams are so close to each other that it makes up for a mouth-watering clash. The Thunder are a little better in offense at fifth compared to the Lakers at eighth. It is the same with the defense; the Thunder are 19th in the league compared to the Lakers at 21st.
The Lakers have the home advantage and are 20-17 at home, while the Thunder are 14-22 on the road. The home team definitely has the upper hand, but expect the Thunder to cover the spread tonight.
