The Los Angeles Lakers play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the crypto Arena on Monday night. Here’s a Lakers vs Thunder Prediction.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been in great form as they’ve won seven of their last eight games overall, and they will be eager to stay hot after taking down the Suns in a 118-110 road win last night. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 35 points, eight rebounds and nine assists, Jalen Williams added 22 points while Chet Holmgren chipped in with 14 points and nine rebounds. As a team, the Thunder shot 48 percent from the field and nine of 31 from the 3-point line as they allowed the Suns to open the game on a 17-4 run. The Thunder responded with 38 points in the second quarter and another 12-3 run in the fourth quarter to come away with the solid road win in the end. The Thunder will face the Bulls after this game.
Los Angeles Lakers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have been building nicely as they’ve won six of their last nine games overall, but they will be hoping to bounce back here after getting beaten by the Nuggets in a 124-114 loss on Saturday. LeBron James led the team with 26 points and nine assists, Rui Hachimura added 23 points on 10 of 15 shooting, Austin Reaves added 19 points with 14 assists while Anthony Davis chipped in with 17 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. As a team, the Lakers shot 52 percent from the field and 12 of 29 from the 3-point line as they got off to a quick start and poured in 66 points in the first half to take an 11-point lead. Still, it wasn’t nearly enough to hold off the Nuggets, who caught fire in the second half thanks to big games from Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr. who combined for 60 points on a 26 of 35 shooting. The Lakers will take on the Kings and Bucks after this one.
Los Angeles Lakers Team Facts
- The Lakers have won each of their last seven games at Crypto.com Arena following a loss.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in six of their last seven games at Crypto.com Arena following a loss.
- Seven of the Lakers’ last eight games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
Oklahoma City Thunder Team Facts
- The Thunder have won each of their last nine night games following a road win.
- The Thunder have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games as road underdogs when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- Each of the Thunder’s last four road games on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total points line.
Lakers vs Thunder Prediction
The Thunder are coming into this one with a full squad, while the Lakers have ruled out Christian Wood and Gabe Vincent, with LeBron James also listed as questionable. The Lakers are leading the season series by 2-1, but they could be missing some key players in this one, while the Thunder have a full squad to choose from. It’s no surprise that the line is so short, as you can make an argument for either side here. However, with an injury cloud hanging over the Lakers, I’m more interested in taking the Thunder as the slight road underdog in this spot.