Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction, NBA Odds
The Thunder were outclassed in Sunday’s 125-99 defeat that opened this two-game home series with the Lakers and have suffered consecutive losses for just the second time so far this season. With Sunday’s victory, the Lakers have now won five of seven overall including three of four on the road and can take a massive step towards clinching third place in the Western Conference standings with a win on Tuesday night.
The Thunder have roared to 15.5-point favourites on the Tuesday NBA odds. The Lakers trail as lengthy +750 underdogs on the NBA moneyline and the total sits at 226.5.
Lakers vs. Thunder NBA Betting Odds
Tuesday’s clash wraps up the three-game season series between these clubs. With Sunday’s win, the Lakers improved to 8-3 in their past 11 dates with the Thunder and have also claimed victory in four of their past five contests in OKC. The Lakers have also been decisive during their current 4-1 run, averaging 120.8 points per game over that stretch and have averaged over 124 points per game while winning three of four on the road.
Los Angeles has also been a solid bet while pegged as double-digit road underdogs, winning outright in two of their past three and going 3-0-1 against the spread in their past four. The Thunder have experienced a bit of a letdown since clinching top spot in the Western Conference standings, averaging just 105 points per game during their 0-2 slide.
However, it is tough to overstate OKC’s dominance on home court, where they have avoided losing back-to-back games since November 2023. The Thunder have also regularly paid out as big chalk, going 28-2 SU in their past 30 as double-digit home favourites, and winning and covering in each of their past five.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have put themselves in the driver’s seat in the race for third place in the West but have paid a big price, with several key players hobbled by injury going into Tuesday’s action. Luka Doncic was a dominant force in Sunday’s win, posting game highs with 30 points and seven rebounds, and has averaged 32.5 points over the past two games, but is listed as questionable for Tuesday with a groin injury.
A groin strain has also left LeBron James listed as questionable. Austin Reaves and Dorian Finney-Smith are also recovering from ankle injuries that could force them to miss Tuesday’s action while Rui Hachimura is already confirmed out with a knee injury. Those ailments could make it a long night for the Lakers.
Oklahoma City Thunder
All eyes will be on Toronto’s own Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Tuesday night. Currently perched as a massive -3000 favourite to claim NBA MVP honours this season, Gilgeous-Alexander was one of the few bright lights for the Thunder in Sunday’s loss, dropping 26 points and nine assists. The Thunder have responded when their superstar is having a big night, going 19-1 in their past 20 when Gilgeous-Alexander scores at least 30 points.
However, things have not gone as well for Jalen Williams in recent home appearances, averaging just 17 points over his past six home dates. But the 23-year-old forward may have a great opportunity to turn things around against a hobbled Lakers squad.
LAL
OKC