The Oklahoma City Thunder is one of the hottest teams in the NBA right now, and tonight, OKC hosts the Los Angeles Lakers, who are also streaking in a good way. Luka Doncic just put together one of the most impressive months of scoring in NBA history, and the Lakers have won 13 of their last 14 games. The Thunder has won 15 of the last 16, but more importantly, OKC has maintained the top spot in the West. The Lakers have no shot at breaking into the top two in the standings, but they are just 1.5 games ahead of the Nuggets for #3.
Expect at least a chunk of the game to focus on the MVP conversation, as both Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic are having outstanding seasons. Shai has been consistently good, while Luka has been incredible since the All-Star Break. Regardless of individual performances, though, the bigger focus should be on getting the win, and based on SGA’s typical attitude, the win is more important than the award.
As good as Oklahoma City has been all season long, the Lakers have been pretty tough over the last month or so. The Thunder plays toward its peak when locking in on the defensive end, and while slowing down Luka Doncic will be key, Los Angeles has other options, namely Austin Reaves and LeBron James. If OKC can play without fouling and keep the Lakers off the free throw line—an area where LA excels—then the Thunder has a great shot not only to win the game, but win it big.
Game Details
Tip-Off: 8:30 PM CT
Location: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
Television: NBA on Prime
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @ZacharyLowNBA for live tweets and discussion during the game
Game Notes: Oklahoma City Thunder Official Game Notes, Los Angeles Lakers Official Game Notes
Projected Starters
Thunder
- PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SG: Luguentz Dort
- SF: Jalen Williams
- PF: Chet Holmgren
- C: Isaiah Hartenstein
Lakers
- PG: Luka Doncic
- SG: Austin Reaves
- SF: Jake LaRavia
- PF: LeBron James
- C: Deandre Ayton
Injury Report
Thunder
- Alex Caruso (illness) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery) is OUT.
Lakers
- Kobe Bufkin (G League — on assignment) is OUT.
- Dalton Knecht (G League — on assignment) is OUT.
- Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion) is OUT.
- Adou Thiero (G League — on assignment) is OUT.
Head-to-Head
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder is 32-29 against the Lakers (17-13 at home, 15-16 on the road).
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder has won the season series against the Lakers 8 times, lost 7 times, and tied it twice.
- The Thunder went 2-1 against the Lakers last season (1-1 at home, 1-0 on the road).
- The Thunder is 2-0 against the Lakers so far this season (1-0 at home, 1-0 on the road).