Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 4/6/25, 12:10 AM  by Paul Tamayo | Modified on 4/6/25 at 12:12 AM in NBA Picks

The Los Angeles Lakers (47-30) visit the Oklahoma City Thunder (64-13) on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the Paycom Center.

It's the first leg of a back-to-back mini series between these two Western Conference contenders. They've faced each other once this season, with the Thunder carving a 101-93 victory. That was back in November 2024 though, and things have changed from the Lakers' perspective.

First, Luka Doncic is now in town. So far, the Lakers are sporting a record of 15-9 with Doncic this season. 

The Lakers have also won three of their last four games, including impressive ones against contending teams Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets. Defense is still a problem for the Lakers, but their offense has been astounding recently. During this four-game stretch, they produced a 125.1 offensive rating, which is almost 10 points up from their season average of 115.7.

Austin Reaves has also been a revelation for the Lakers. In the last four games, the all-around guard has averaged 26.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, including a stellar 55.6% clip from the three-point line. 

The Thunder are still the favorites to win this game, but winning big could be difficult against the Lakers.