Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, NBA Odds
The Thunder rolled to a 112-100 victory over the visiting Orland Magic on Saturday, and now hit the road trailing the Timberwolves by just a half-game in the standings. The Lakers return home looking for answers after dropping a 132-125 decision in Utah on Saturday that marks their 11th defeat in 15 games.
The Thunder arrive in LA as 1.5-point underdogs on the Monday NBA odds, but sporting -120 odds of covering. The Lakers are listed as razor-thin -115 favourites on the NBA moneyline, and the total is pegged ay 238.5.
Thunder vs. Lakers NBA Betting Odds
The Thunder have emerged as one of the hottest teams in the NBA since opening their season on a middling 5-4 straight up run. OKC can establish its third five-game win streak since mid-November with a victory on Monday. However, the Thunder have struggled to produce consistent results on the road, going 5-5 SU over their pat 10 while covering on just four occasions over that stretch. Containing opposing shooters on the road has also been a concern, with the club surrendering an average of 128.3 points while going 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS over their past four games, and 118.7 points per game over their past 10 away contests.
The Lakers have faced defensive concerns of their own during a dismal 4-11 SU that has bounced them from the Western Conference playoff picture. The Lakers have been lit up for 130 points per game over their past three outings, and have allowed at least 120 points nine times during their prolonged swoon. The club has remained a formidable force on home hardwood while winning two of their past three, but have consistently disappointed loyal sports bettors while going 2-6 ATS in their past eight at home.
Oklahoma City Thunder
It was another tremendous night for rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in Saturday’s victory over the Magic. The 25-year-old Toronto native racked up 37 points while leading all Thunder shooters in scoring for the 19th straight game. Overall, Gilgeous-Alexander has averaged 33.1 points per game during that 19-game run and is now ranked third in the NBA in scoring behind only Joel Embiid and Luka Doncic. However, the OKC superstar managed to tweak his knee in Saturday’s win over Orlando, and is listed as questionable to see action on Monday. With no other shooters averaging more than 19 points per game, it is unclear who will pick up the slack if the crafty Canadian is unable to go. Second-year forward Jalen Williams has steadily developed into a solid playmaker, and has recorded double-digit assist totals in two of four outings, and has also topped 20 points in four of six outings and promising big man Chet Holmgren has averaged 22 points in the past four games.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers’ current slide has been complicated by continued injury concerns. LeBron James missed Saturday’s loss to the Jazz due to ankle injury. And while King James is expected to return to the lineup for Monday’s contest, it remains to be seen how effective he will be after scoring just 10 points in last Thursday’s 127-109 loss to Phoenix after averaging just 20.2 points in five games this month. Anthony Davis is also hobbled by an ankle injury that leaves him listed as question. Davis has yet to miss time due to the injury. Indeed, he recorded a triple-double in Saturday’s defeat, but has averaged just 14 points over his past two games. With the superstars hobbled, D’Angelo Russell stepped up on Saturday with a game-high and season-high 39 points. Russell also matched a season-high with 41 minutes of action on Saturday, but it is unclear how James’ return to the lineup will impact his playing time.
OKC
LAL