- What:Â NBA Regular Season Game
- When: November 29, 2024
- Who:Â Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Time:Â 10:00 p.m. EST
- Where: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, CA)
The buzz around this matchup is palpable as the Oklahoma City Thunder gear up to face the Los Angeles Lakers. This will be an NBA Cup matchup.
The Thunder, sitting at 13-4 and leading the Western Conference, have been nothing short of impressive this season.
However, the injury bug has bitten them hard, and itâs only a matter of time before it takes a toll on their performance.
Meanwhile, the Lakers, currently 11-7 and fifth in the West, are looking to make a statement at home.
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Game Preview (Thunder vs. Lakers)
First off, letâs talk about the Thunderâs injury situation.
Chet Holmgren, Ousmane Dieng, and Jaylin Williams are all sidelined, a significant hit to their depth.
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a beast, averaging 29.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, he canât do it all alone.
The Thunder have shown resilience, but the absence of key players is bound to catch up with them, especially against a team like the Lakers that can exploit mismatches.
On the flip side, the Lakers are starting to find their rhythm. With LeBron James orchestrating the offense and Anthony Davis providing a defensive anchor, they have the firepower to take advantage of the Thunderâs depleted roster.
The Lakers are shooting 48.2% from the field this season, which is a solid mark, and theyâre averaging 27.1 assists per game, showcasing their ability to move the ball and find open shots.
This is crucial against a Thunder team that, while defensively sound, may struggle to keep up with the Lakersâ offensive pace.
Goooood morning pic.twitter.com/PhhoPzCmSb
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 28, 2024
Letâs not forget the Lakersâ home-court advantage. Playing at the Staples Center, the Lakers thrive in front of their fans, and the energy in the building can be a game-changer.
The Thunder, despite their strong start, will be facing a hostile environment, and that can lead to mistakes and missed opportunities.
The Lakers have been known to elevate their game when the stakes are high, and this matchup is no exception.
Moreover, the Lakers have been on a roll lately, going 7-3 in their last ten games.Â
I would back the Lakers to win this one at home to improve their record in the NBA Cup.
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Total Points
This balance is key, especially when facing a Thunder team that has been inconsistent in their scoring, particularly with their free-throw shooting.
The Thunder shot just 61.5% from the line in their recent win against the Warriors, a stat that could come back to haunt them in a close game.
In terms of matchups, the Lakers have the size and skill to challenge the Thunderâs perimeter defense.
With players like Austin Reaves and DâAngelo Russell stepping up, the Lakers can stretch the floor and create driving lanes for LeBron and AD.
If the Lakers can establish an early lead, it will force the Thunder to play catch-up, which is not their strong suit, especially with their current roster limitations.
Theyâve averaged 115.4 points per game during this stretch, and their defense has been solid, allowing just 113.8 points per game.
Lastly, the psychological aspect of this game cannot be overlooked. The Lakers are aware of the Thunderâs injury woes and will be looking to capitalize on that.
Expect them to come out strong, setting the tone early and putting pressure on the Thunder to respond. If the Lakers can maintain their intensity and focus, they should be able to cover the spread comfortably.
Defense down the stretch sealed the deal đ pic.twitter.com/jIwXAxTEpI
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) November 28, 2024
While the Thunder have been a fun story this season, the reality is that injuries are starting to pile up, and the Lakers are in a position to take advantage.
With their home-court advantage, a potent offense, and a defense that can clamp down when needed, Iâm confident that the Lakers will not only win but also cover the spread against the Thunder.
This one feels like it will be a high-scoring game as well. Over 230 Points at -110 odds is the best bet in this one.
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