The Oklahoma City Thunder (42-18) travel to the Los Angeles Lakers (33-29) for a late Monday night game. This is between two teams that people see going far in the playoffs. However, this could be something like a passing of the torch moment. The Thunder are young and ahead of schedule in their franchise development. Meanwhile, the Lakers are aging, especially toward the top end of their roster. But this game should be a good one, as the Lakers have a two-to-one regular-season series lead so far.
Additionally, the Lakers have won three out of their last five games and hope to put behind their most recent Denver Nuggets loss. Meanwhile, the Thunder have won four of the last five games. However, they lost to the Spurs and looked shaky against the Phoenix Suns. While they look to finish the third game of a road trip with a win, they know the challenges that this Lakers team can present.
But do you see the Thunder getting a win away from home, or will Los Angeles control the game?
Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Los Angeles | +1.5
-112 |
O 238
-120 |
+100 |
| Oklahoma City | -1.5
-108 |
U 238
+100 |
-120 |
| **Odds Courtesy of DraftKings** | |||
Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Game Details
- Fixture: Los Angeles @ Oklahoma City
- Date and Time: March 4, 2024 @ 10:30 pm EST
- Location: crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA
Apex Tale of the Tape
|
Los Angeles Lakers |
vs. |
Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 33-29 | Record | 42-18 |
| 117.1 | Points Per Game | 121.2 |
| 49.7 | FG% | 50.1 |
| 37.1 | 3PT% | 39.5 |
| 42.4 | Rebounds Per Game | 41.6 |
| 117.7 | Points Allowed Per Game | 113.3 |
| 47.4 | Defensive FG% | 45.1 |
| 37.5 | Defensive 3PT% | 36.2 |
| 79.9 | Defensive FT% | 78.7 |
| 44.5 | Defensive Rebounds Per Game | 45.2 |
| 3-2 | Last 5 W-L | 4-1 |
| 103.1 | Team Pace |
102.5 |
Key Stats
Los Angeles Lakers
This Lakers team has found a second wind as of late. Of course, they play through the greatness of LeBron James on a nightly basis. However, the surrounding pieces are starting to pick up their efforts and intensity as the Los Angeles Lakers hope to make a playoff push. Moreover, they are facing a good Oklahoma City Thunder team. While Anthony Davis and James are questionable heading into the matchup, their status will be important to monitor. But both are expected to play.
Moreover, Rui Hachimura is coming off a 23-point game against the Denver Nuggets. If he can get going for the Lakers, then that will take some of the pressure off of James and Davis. Additionally, Austin Reaves is coming off a 19-point performance and equally looks eager to score the basketball every time that he touches it.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Meanwhile, Oklahoma looks about as good as any team right now in the NBA. Although they lack certain experience, they are currently making up for it through their cohesiveness and on-court chemistry. But their potential MVP candidate is playing lights out. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to impress. Gilgeous-Alexander averages 31.2 points per game and is a really tough matchup for any defense.
Additionally, Chet Holmgren is making a case to be discussed as one of the better centers in the league. Although he’s young and still has room to improve, he finds a way to make a nightly impact. A lot of the game will go through these two on both ends of the court, but if the Oklahoma City Thunder can pull off a win tonight against the Lakers, it would go a long way toward easing the voices of the critics.
Match Prediction
The Los Angeles Lakers have too many limitations and rely too much on their aging superstar at this point. Although a win would not be out of the question, I see the Oklahoma City Thunder covering the spread tonight. Moreover, long-term, I see Oklahoma having greater success in the postseason this year. Although the Lakers have the potential to win a championship, it looks more like at this point that they will not even make the first round of the playoffs.
Firstly, this roster is top-heavy. Second of all, they rely too much on James and Davis. For today, I see the younger legs and more consistent team throughout the season playing better and covering the spread tonight. The Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to win for a reason, and they should have no problem getting that road win tonight.
Final Pick
Oklahoma City Thunder -1.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
