The Oklahoma City Thunder is one of the hotter teams in the NBA and has made up ground on foes in the Western Conference of late. They are expected to keep that up in a home game against the Los Angeles Lakers this weekend.
Los Angeles has been solid at home this season but poor on the road, and will be a sizable underdog against a superior foe. Oklahoma City has won eight of its past 10 games and is playing well on both ends of the court lately.
The Thunder seems likely to keep putting pressure on the teams above it in the standings with a win over the Lakers this week.
Don't miss the hardwood action from Chesapeake Energy Arena at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 4, 2018. Catch every moment of the game live on ABC.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Sunday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Lakers are 19-31 straight up and 25-25 against the spread. They have played in 24 road games this season and covered in 11 of them. Los Angeles has covered in half of its 42 games as the underdog on the season.
Oklahoma City is 30-21 straight up and 22-29 against the spread. The Thunder has covered in 12 of 26 tries as the home team this year. Oklahoma City is 18-28 against the spread as the favorite.
Player To Watch
Paul George -- The Thunder acquired the star small forward this offseason from the Pacers and he’s put together a nice season. George is averaging 21.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game and has paired with Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony to give Oklahoma City a new big three.
George is reportedly interested in joining the Lakers in free agency, and while it’s unknown what he’s thinking now, it will certain be a topic of conversation during the game. The Lakers would have more ammunition to lure him with more wins, and they are hoping for a strong showing down the stretch.
George will get an up-close look at Los Angeles’ young talent in this one if he does indeed have thoughts of leaving Oklahoma City for the Lakers at some point.
Injury Report
The Lakers will be without No. 2 overall pick Lonzo Ball in this one as he is dealing with a sprained knee. He could be back when the team returns home next week but coach Luke Walton has already ruled him out of the games during the rest of the road trip.
Ball has had an up and down rookie campaign. He is averaging 10.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game. He has improved as the year has gone on, but his shooting has been a big problem.
Ball has hit only 35.6 percent of his field goals and only 30.3 percent of his shot from three-point range. The Lakers will need to rely on others to be the main facilitator with Ball still sidelined.
Oklahoma City will no longer have the services of Andre Roberson, who ruptured his patellar tendon and will be done for the season. He is one of the better defensive players in the NBA so it’s a big loss.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Thunder has the superior team and has turned it on of late. If this game was in Los Angeles it would be more competitive, but Oklahoma City should not have much trouble taking care of business at home.
The spread could be pretty high, so take a keen look at the Lakers as they may be able to cover the spread even if they lose the contest. The scoring total could be high as both teams are willing to push the ball.
NBA Odds: Thunder 115, Lakers 104
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