How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers: Predictions, odds and TV info
Fresh off scoring his 40,000th career point against the Denver Nuggets, LeBron James now sets his sights on an arguably tougher Western Conference opponent, the Oklahoma City Thunder. With just 20 games left in the regular season, there is reason to be concerned if you are a Los Angeles Lakers fan.
The team currently sits at 33-29, 10th place in the Western Conference. While they would earn a spot in the play-in tournament if the playoffs started today, the Lakers would face a long road to the actual postseason including a win-or-go-home road matchup against the Golden State Warriors, who are less than two weeks removed from beating the Lakers by 18. The schedule doesn't get any easier for the Lakers either. Of their 20 remaining games, 14 are against teams with records above .500.
The Thunder, meanwhile, are trying to hold onto the Western Conference's top seed. They currently hold a half game lead over both the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, but a loss tonight would mean falling back into a tie. If Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wants to beat out Nikola Jokic for NBA MVP, earning the West's top seed over the Nuggets would likely go a long way in voters' eyes. A lot rides on this final stretch for the Thunder.
Here's what to know and how to watch this pivotal NBA Western Conference showdown.
Predictions for Thunder at Lakers:
Sportsbook Wire: Thunder moneyline
Kevin Erickson writes, "The Lakers are playing just .500 basketball in the past 6 games, winning 3 times. At home, Los Angeles is 8-4 in the past 12 outings." He continues, "OKC is the play straight up, and it’s a much better value."
Sports Illustrated: OVER 238.5
Mark Lammey writes, "Interestingly enough, in the three meetings between these teams this season, LA has not only covered the spread in the last two, but they’ve won outright as 12.5 and 9.5-point underdogs. Having gone through all that, this is simply a tough matchup to break down in that regard. Instead, we’re going to focus on a high-scoring game, as that is also what we’ve seen in two of the three games between these squads this year."
Action Network: LeBron James OVER 31.5 Points + Assists
Andrew O'Connor-Watts writes, "James should have a big game tonight, and I think we see him take on a facilitating role as well as a scoring one in order to get the win from this young OKC team that is on a back-to-back. My model makes this OKC, but I think they’re playing a little too uneven for my taste, and I’ll take James to have a big night instead with his Points + Assists line at 31.5 and up to 32.5."
Thunder at Lakers odds, lines:
The Thunder are favorites to defeat the Lakers, according to the BetMGM NBA odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NBA betting promos in 2023.
Betting odds, as of Monday afternoon:
Spread: Thunder (-1.5)
Moneyline: Thunder (-125); Lakers (+105)
Over/under: 238.5
NBA News: Victor Wembanyama has 31 points, 12 rebounds as Spurs top Pacers 117-105
How to watch Thunder at Lakers:
When: Monday, March 4, 2024
Where: Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA
Time: 10:30 pm ET/7:30 pm PT
TV: Bally Sports
Stream: Fubo TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV
Stream the game: Watch NBA action with Fubo
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Thunder vs. Lakers: Predictions, latest odds and how to watch
