The Los Angeles Lakers try to avoid a second straight loss when they face the host Oklahoma City Thunder in a battle of Western Conference playoff hopefuls on Wednesday night. Los Angeles had a three-game winning streak snapped with a loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday and is 12th in the Western Conference, a half-game behind the Portland Trail Blazers.
Oklahoma City has lost four straight, including a setback to the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, and is a half-game behind the Lakers in the West standings. Despite some injury absences, this should be one of the better NBA matchups of the night, so let’s dig in and find some of our Lakers vs Thunder best bets to make.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Odds
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Matchup Information
Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK.
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 1, 2023, 8:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: NBA League Pass
Recent Scores for Last Game
The night of LeBron James becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer was also a night that the Lakers lost, as Oklahoma City won easily on the road. That was the only matchup between these clubs this season, with two more still on the NBA schedule the rest of the way. The two teams split last season’s four-game series, with each getting a win on the other’s home court.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Analysis
A look at the NBA player stats shows this should feature two of the top individual scorers in the league in James (29.5 points per game) and Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.0 points).
Unfortunately, both are sidelined for this one, with James out for a couple of weeks at least with a foot injury and Gilgeous-Alexander entering COVID-19 health and safety protocols on Tuesday.
The loss of James puts the Lakers standings spot in jeopardy just as they were putting things together. Los Angeles is still hoping to push its way into the playoff picture, but will need to get some victories without their leader.
Forward Anthony Davis has been healthy and playing well, averaging 23.1 points, 14.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks in February. The 29-year-old is coming off 298 points, 19 rebounds and five blocks in Tuesday’s loss to Memphis.
Thunder Show Resilience in Absence of Leading Scorer
The Thunder have been playing without their top scorer for a few games now, as Gilgeous-Alexander had missed a pair of games with ankle and abdominal issues prior to entering protocol. The team has shown life in those games despite losing, keeping things close in a pair of losses to the Kings, as well as setbacks to the Suns and the Jazz.
Forward Jalen Williams had a big night on Tuesday, finishing with 27 points, five rebounds, eight assists and two steals. He’s averaging 12.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals in his rookie season.
A look at the NBA team stats shows Oklahoma City as the third-highest scoring team in the league at 117.8 points per game, and part of that is the team’s multiple players who can fill up the boxscore. Forward Josh Giddey is one of those, averaging 16.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists and pacing the team in the latter two categories.
Odds Breakdown
Los Angeles Lakers
Spread: As you look at your Lakers vs Thunder best bets, you’re basically picking a straight-up winner with the Lakers favored by one point. You can get -110 odds on this wager.
Over/Under: The Lakers’ over/under number is 114 points, and you can get the over at -120 and the under at -110.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Spread: If your Oklahoma City Thunder picks include them winning this game, you can get a point on a point-spread bet at -110 odds.
Over/Under: Interestingly, the Thunder’s over/under number of 115 points is higher than the Lakers’ over/under, despite Oklahoma City being the underdog. If you take the under, you get -120 odds, which the over bet is at -110 odds.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Pick and Prediction
- Pick 1: Your Lakers vs Thunder best bets should include taking Los Angeles to get the road win. Even without James, the Lakers have the firepower to get some revenge on the Thunder for the previous loss.
- Pick 2: This could be a high-scoring affair, with both teams on the second night of a back-to-back and not having much defensive energy. Take the over when you’re making your wagers.
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