Thunder Game Day: OKC Looks to End Two-Game Skid Against Lakers

The Oklahoma City Thunder is looking to end a two-game losing streak with a game back at home.

The Los Angeles Lakers will come into Oklahoma City on the second night of a back-to-back after a win in Detroit. The Thunder and Lakers will look to add to the collection of classic matchups they have had in the past few seasons.

Assuming everyone is available, a star-studded matchup is expected at Paycom Center. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and LeBron James will headline the matchup, as both are averaging more than 25 points this season.

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 7-point favorites against the Lakers, and the total over/under is 229 points.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

After dealing with Joel Embiid and Rudy Gobert, Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren is set to match up with Anthony Davis. While Davis is not typically a physical player, he is a great rebounder and shot blocker, which could cause problems for Holmgren and the Thunder.

The Thunder will need Jalen Williams to play like himself again after a rough return game in Minnesota. While the Thunder’s top three all need to play well, shutting down the Lakers’ third star could be the deciding factor.

D’Angelo Russell scored 35 on Wednesday and added nine assists in the Lakers’ blowout win. Thunder rookie Cason Wallace could have the duty of guarding Russell for stretches, and that matchup could help swing the game in the Thunder’s favor.

Oklahoma City also needs to find ways to rebound effectively after two poor rebounding games. Before that, Oklahoma City had rebounded well and either won or kept the battle close to help build a six-game winning streak.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (11-6) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (11-8)

INJURIES:

Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.

WHEN:

Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, at 7:00 PM CT

LOCATION:

Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK

TV/RADIO:

Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD:

Although it is early in the season, this game could have a significant later if the Thunder and Lakers are close in the standings. Thursday’s game could also help break the Thunder’s streak of bad luck against the Lakers at home, having lost seven of the past nine matchups at Paycom Center.

Oklahoma City will head to Dallas for another tough matchup on Saturday as part of a two-game Texas road trip.

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