The Oklahoma City Thunder (24-20) will be at home in Chesapeake Energy Arena when they clash against the Los Angeles Lakers (15-28). Action starts at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 17, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN.
Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder Odds Preview
The Lakers lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in their last outing, 123-114. With 27 points on 8-for-16 shooting, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the top scorer from either team. Memphis did a fantastic job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (29-34; 85.3 percent). Los Angeles, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 15.7).
In the Thunder’s last game, they topped the Sacramento Kings, 95-88. Russell Westbrook played a pivotal role for Oklahoma City with 19 points, 16 rebounds and nine assists. The Thunder had an absurd offensive rebounding percentage of 36.7 (above their season average of 27.1) and held the Kings to an effective field goal percentage of 0.440 (below their season average of 0.501).
Oklahoma City appears to have an advantage on the offensive glass in this matchup. The Thunder currently rank first in offensive rebounding percentage (27.4 percent), while Los Angeles ranks 13th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.9 percent). Additionally, the Lakers 29th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 101.6) will face a difficult challenge against the Thunder’s fourth-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 103.7).
Of Los Angeles 43 games, 23 have finished over the O/U total, while 26 of Oklahoma City’s 44 games have finished under the projected point total. The Thunder hold the substantial advantage straight up (SU) (24-20 vs. 15-28), but the Lakers have the superior against the spread (ATS) record (21-22 vs. 16-27-1).
These teams have already met once this season. In that game, the two teams combined to score 229 points, which was over the projected point total of 214.5. The Thunder won 133-96, covering as 5.5-point favorites. Oklahoma City had a much better turnover percentage (8.5 vs. 14.7). Los Angeles, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.2 vs. 19.4). Westbrook put up a double-double in the victory with 20 points and 12 assists.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Free Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Thunder rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (41.5) while the Lakers rank 26th (45.4).
- Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (9.4) while Los Angeles ranks 19th in steals allowed per game (8.3).
- Los Angeles ranks sixth in assists per game (23.5) while Oklahoma City ranks 26th (20.8).
- Oklahoma City averages 28.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 16th in the league. Los Angeles ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (29.8).
- Los Angeles is 10-10 ATS on the road with 10 overs and 10 unders.
- Oklahoma City is 8-13-1 ATS at home with 13 unders and 9 overs.
- In games where they allow under 100 points, Los Angeles is 7-3 and Oklahoma City is 16-5.
- The Lakers are 13-16 when they score over 100 points, while the Thunder are 20-9.
- The Thunder rank ninth in blocks allowed per game (4.5) while the Lakers rank 28th (5.8).
- Oklahoma City ranks third in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.2) while Los Angeles ranks last (19.8).
- The Thunder rank second in second chance points per game (14.4) while the Lakers rank 29th in second chance points allowed per game (14.1).
- The Thunder average 14.2 fast break points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. The Lakers rank 20th in fast break points allowed per game (12.2).
- Oklahoma City ranks fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (41.5) while Los Angeles ranks 28th (49.2).
Betting Trends:
- Oklahoma City is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over in their last five games.
- Over their last five games, Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Thunder have been outscored by an average of 4.8 points in their last five games. On the season, Oklahoma City has defeated opponents by an average of 3.1 points.
- During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 109.0 points per game (2.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 100.8 points per game (9.7 below their season average).
