After putting together their longest win streak of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers (8-17) found themselves back in a familiar position, as they lost to the Indiana Pacers Monday night. Trying to get back to the win column later tonight seems to be a tall order for the Lakers, as they’ll go up against the Oklahoma City Thunder (12-14). The Lakers, though, may face a Kevin Durant-less Thunder after the star forward suffered an injury in their loss to the Golden State Warriors last night.
Before this showdown in STAPLES Center, the Bulls and the Grizzlies meet each other in a matchup that features two of the best frontlines in the NBA today. See our preview of that game here.
[sc:NBAArticles ]Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
Where: STAPLES Center, Los Angeles
When: Friday, December 19, 2014, 10:30 PM ET
Line: Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers – view all NBA lines
Betting on the Oklahoma City Thunder
Their winning streak snapped and their superstar injured, the Thunder certainly didn’t have the best of nights when they lost to the Golden State Warriors Thursday, 114-109.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Durant was putting a clinic on making baskets last night, dropping 30 points in only the first half. It was the first time since 1976 that a player scored 30 points in less than 20 minutes of playing time in a game. The reigning MVP, however, was unable to continue after twisting his ankle late in the second quarter, leaving much of the scoring responsibility on the shoulders of Russell Westbrook. Never gun-shy, Westbrook scored 18 of his team-high 33 points in the second half, albeit in a losing effort.
Despite the injury, Durant hasn’t been declared out for the Lakers game. X-rays of his sprained right ankle were negative and Durant will probably be a game-time decision.
If Durant will not be able to play, the Thunder can find a silver lining from the fact that Los Angeles’ lackluster defense provides a big opportunity on offense for the likes of Westbrook (26.9 PPG, 6.9 APG), Reggie Jackson (15.7 PPG), and Serge Ibaka (14.4 PPG). The Lakers own the league’s worst scoring defense average of 109.5 PPG.
The under is 4-1 in the Thunder’s last five road games.
Thunder or Lakers? Create a betting account now and pick which side you think will be money in the bank.
Betting on the Los Angeles Lakers
Maybe it’s time for the Lakers to end their Ed-Davis-as-starter experiment.
After a three-game win streak—the Lakers’ longest thus far this season—the team went back to their losing ways, as they suffered a 110-91 setback at the hands of the Indiana Pacers on Monday. Davis scored no points and picked up four rebounds in 23 minutes of action in that game.
Granted that Davis started in all of the team’s last three wins, the power forward still didn’t have the numbers to make it sensible for coach Byron Scott to keep Carlos Boozer on the bench any longer. Since being inserted in the starting lineup, Davis has averaged 6.2 PPG and 5.4 RPG in five games. Boozer, on the other hand, is putting up 15.2 PPG and grabbing 10.2 RPG during the same stretch.
Against the Thunder tonight, Los Angeles needs its best frontline to start to counter Oklahoma City’s rebounding. The Thunder are the fifth-best rebounding team in the NBA averaging 45.5 RPG. After Davis’ ineffective start against the Pacers, expect Scott to revert to Boozer, who has season averages of 13.0 PPG and 7.4 RPG.
The Lakers are going to need all hands on deck on offense versus Oklahoma’s first ranked defense that allows 93.9 PPG. Kobe Bryant (25.2PPG) is undoubtedly going to be the Lakers’ main option on offense, and if Boozer starts, the Lakers have to see other relievers step up. Nick Young has been a spark off the bench, averaging 15.3 PPG this season. Young led all Lakers relievers against the Pacers, finishing the game with 18 points.
The Lakers are 3-0 ATS in their last three home games against OKC.
Writer’s Prediction
The Thunder win, 111-94.
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