The team that everyone is expecting to tank this season has only 1 win in their first 7 games, however that win came against no other than the LA Lakers. The Thunder came back from 26 points down a week ago in what was a collapse for the ages by the Lakers. Players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Lugentz Dort are the cornerstones of this team, but right now they are not trying to win games. This will be their 3rd and final game of a mini West Coast road trip, they could be shorthanded as Dort has been listed as questionable. The Thunder have covered the spread just 3 times in 7 games so far.
A lot is expected from the Lakers this season and so far they are doing okay with a 5-3 record. With so many new pieces on the team, it’s going to take time for everyone to gel together and develop chemistry. They are coming off a 119-117 win over the Rockets in which the Big 3 of James, Westbrook and Davis combined for 84 points. All 3 of them will be ready for tonight’s game, as the Lakers put their 3-game win streak on the line. They’ve covered the spread just twice in 8 games so far, which isn’t all that impressive when you think about it.
The Lakers have hardly blown out anyone this season, the oddsmakers have the spread at 13 points as of writing this and I’m not so sure LeBron and co. will demolish the young Thunder like that. After all, they did have a 26-point lead erased in the last meeting between them, so Oklahoma City has some potential here. LA hasn’t won a game by more than 12 points this season, I think with the likes of Gilgeous-Alexander and other promising young stars the Thunder will keep this one somewhat close.
Back OKC Thunder +13 Point Spread at 10/11 odds on bet365!
One thing that’s been going well for the Lakers this season is pace of play, they currently rank first with 105.9 possessions per game. That gives every star on that team enough shooting attempts to keep everyone happy (I’m looking at you Carmelo Anthony). Although Oklahoma City averages only 96.7 points per game and shoots just 41.2% from the field, they managed to put up 123 points on the Lakers just a week ago. When you have defensive liabilities like Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony, teams will score a lot of points against you. Let’s back the over in this one.
Over 215 Total Points is available at 10/11 odds on bet365!
