The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal playoff series, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, money line odds and over/under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet.
The Lakers will look to make this a series after losing in Game 1, 108-90, despite holding reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to 18 points and three free throw attempts. They will have to get more efficient offensive production across the board, especially from players such as Deandre Ayton, who played well early but got into foul trouble, and Marcus Smart, who was 4-of-15 from the field in Game 1.
They could be very short-handed for Thursday’s game, however. In addition to Luka Doncic, who is still sidelined with a hamstring strain, Jarred Vanderbilt is listed as doubtful due to a finger dislocation he suffered on Tuesday in Game 1. Guard Luke Kennard is questionable because of neck soreness, and if he doesn’t play, it will be a sizable blow to L.A.’s chances.
The lines, courtesy of BetMGM
Lakers vs Thunder injury reports
Lakers: Luke Kennard (neck soreness) is questionable. Jarred Vanderbilt (right finger dislocation) is doubtful. Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) is out.
Thunder: Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery) and Jalen Williams (left hamstring strain) are out.
Advice and Prediction:
How will the Lakers generate enough offense to at least have a chance to win Game 2 and make this series competitive? That is the question that has been hounding them over the last several days, especially since they’re going up against one of the NBA’s best defenses in recent memory. The Thunder were first in defensive rating and points off turnovers during the regular season, and they force turnovers in bunches.
In Game 1, Los Angeles played good enough defense to at least compete hard with the defending world champions. But the cold, hard reality is that a team cannot expect to win when scoring under 100 points, especially when going up against quality competition. The Thunder are obviously more than just quality competition, and L.A. has now scored under 100 points in four straight games, which is a streak of futility that must end now.
Unless the Purple and Gold find a way to put together at least 105 points, let alone 110 points, they, in all likelihood, will not win.
Prediction: Thunder 112, Lakers 102
Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Prediction and betting odds for Lakers vs. Thunder Game 2
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
