Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 15/01/2024, 06:00  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Los Angeles Lakers will play host to the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Crypto.com Arena in the NBA on Monday night. The hosts are 19-21 and 11th in the Western Conference, while the visitors are 27-11 and currently in second place. 

The Oklahoma City Thunder are currently on a scorching streak, securing victory in nine of their last 11 games. They are poised to pursue a fifth consecutive win following a 112-100 triumph against the Magic on Saturday. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander played a stellar role in leading the team with an impressive performance of 37 points, six rebounds, and seven assists on 13-of-20 shooting, while Jalen Williams contributed 16 points to the successful outing. Oklahoma City stands as the third-ranked scoring team in the NBA, averaging 122.5 points per game, while the Los Angeles squad ranks 16th defensively, allowing 115.8 points per game. In the 2023-24 season, the Thunder are scoring 4.5 more points per game at home (124.5) than away (120.0). Defensively, they concede an average of 113.4 points, ranking 13th in the league. The availability of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the upcoming match is questionable. 

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers find themselves in a slump, having lost six of their last eight games. Eager to break a two-game skid, they aim to recover from a 132-125 road defeat against the Jazz on Saturday. D’Angelo Russell played a standout role, leading the team with 39 points and eight assists on 15-of-26 shooting, while Austin Reaves contributed 19 points. Offensively, the Lakers currently rank 19th in the league, averaging 114.1 points per game, while the Thunder defense holds the 13th position, allowing 113.4 points per game in NBA play. Defensively, the Lakers concede an average of 115.6 points per game, placing them 16th in the NBA. Notably, the Lakers display a slight improvement in offensive performance at home, scoring 114.6 points per game, compared to their road games where they average 113.7 points. On the defensive end, their home games also show superiority, allowing 110.6 points per game, as opposed to their road games where opponents score an average of 121.0 points per game.