NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 28: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder dribbles up court against the New York Knicks during the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 28, 2016 in New York City.
The Los Angeles Lakers will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night, and here is what you need to know.
The Lakers (24-21), who are ninth in the Western Conference, defeated the Chicago Bulls 107-100 on Tuesday but before that lost five of their first seven games of 2019. Los Angeles has also gone 4-7 straight up without LeBron James, who is expected to miss at least two more games due to a groin injury.
Oklahoma City (26-17, 3rd in West) lost to the Hawks 142-126 in Atlanta on Tuesday, their fourth defeat in five contests. According to OddsShark, the Thunder open as ten-point favorites for Thursday’s matchup. Russell Westbrook finished with a team-high 31 points in the loss to Atlanta.
Despite missing LeBron — who will likely return to the lineup soon — the Lakers’ young core appears to be learning well to play together thanks to leadership from coach Luke Walton. Thus, the team could eventually cover the spread.
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The Thunder and Lakers last played on Jan. 2, when Oklahoma City won 107-100 at Staples Center thanks to 37 points from Paul George.
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Oklahoma City continues to rank No. 1 in the NBA in steals and offensive rebounds per game. They also rank seventh in defensive rebounds but have struggled significantly more in assists per game, free throw percentage and three point percentage.
Meanwhile, the Lakers rank second in the league in defensive rebounds per game, fifth in blocks per game and ninth in field goal percentage. The team ranks low in turnovers per contest and three-point percentage.
Thursday’s game at Chesapeake Energy Arena will start at 9:30 p.m. EST and will air on TNT. It can also be watched via NBA League Pass.
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