NBA Betting Picks: Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder preview, prediction and picks 

The Los Angeles Lakers (13-13, 9-17 ATS) hope for a third time a charm as they try to salvage their first head-to-head win this season against the Oklahoma City Thunder (8-16, 15-9 ATS). 

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The Lakers opened as a 5-point favorite over the team that defeated them twice this season. BetUS.com adjusted the total at 218 points, reflecting the bookmaker’s optimism for another high-scoring ballgame. 

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Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Lines

ATS: Lakers -5

Moneyline: Lakers -190, Thunder +165

O/U: 218 points

Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Team News

Lakers superstar Anthony Davis wants his team to play with a level of urgency after recording an underwhelming 13-13 record through 26 games, ESPN writer David Mcmenamin writes. Following Thursday’s 108-95 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, Davis stressed that they have to play with underdog mentality moving forward to address their mediocre slate. 

“These guys already feel like they’re the underdogs when they’re coming in, especially when they’re without their star players,” Davis said of the shorthanded Grizzlies “And we got to play like we’re the underdogs. Which, now, at this point of the season, the way we’re playing, a lot of games, we probably are.”

Thunder rookie guard Josh Giddey receives his first NBA accolade after being named Western Conference Rookie of the Month for November. The Australian youngster averaged 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists and one steal in 20 games for OKC. He also joined LaMelo Ball and LeBron James as the third teenager to record 100 rebounds and 100 assists within his first 20 NBA games. 

Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report

Lakers: Rajon Rondo – Questionable (Illness), Trevor Ariza – OUT (Ankle), and Kendrick Nunn – OUT (Knee).

Thunder: No Reported Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Preview

LeBron James recorded a triple-double to lead the Lakers in a losing cause against the Ja Morant-less Grizzlies. James tallied 20 points, 10 rebounds and 11 assists, while Davis posted 22 points. Unfortunately, Los Angeles didn’t get enough production from other players, including Russell Westbrook who finished with only 9 points on 3-for-9 shooting. With the loss, the Lakers dropped two of their last three games and eight of their previous 14. 

On Wednesday, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tallied 26 points and 9 assists to star in the Thunder’s 110-109 win over the Toronto Raptors. OKC drained 17 of their 40 three-point attempts in the game, including a go-ahead trey by Mike Muscala with nine seconds left in the game. As a result, the Thunder claimed their second straight win and eight of the season.  

Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction

Fearless Forecast: The Thunder will upset the Lakers for the third time.

In the previous two wins over the Lakers, OKC effectively took away Los Angeles’ three-point shooting arsenal. Los Angeles converted 11 of their 35 shots from deep in the first meeting and only 12 of their 33 in the second. Moreover, the Lakers also couldn’t find a way to contain Gilgeous-Alexander in both games. In the first game, the Canadian guard tallied 27-9-5 and followed it up with 28-3-6 in the second matchup. In this third showdown, bettors should expect Gilgeous-Alexander to leave its mark in this game via another big-time outing.  

• The total has gone OVER in 5 of LA Lakers’ last 6 games when playing on the road against Oklahoma City. 
• The total has gone OVER in 4 of Oklahoma City’s last 5 games.
• In 4 of Oklahoma City’s last 5 games, the total has gone OVER        

Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Pick

Pick: OKC Thunder upsets Lakers for SU and ATS win, OVER 218 points 

All betting lines were retrieved from BetUS. Click below to claim a free bet, if you’re a new customer.  

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