OKC Thunder: 5 keys to beating the Lakers

OKC Thunder chalkboard note 5 – Get that home victory!

While everyone knows losing copious games is part and parcel of the anticipated outcome of this season at the same time eventually the Thunder needs to win a game at Chesapeake.

And, why not have that be a victory over the defending champions? Sure, that’s a lofty goal but several teams have underestimated the ability of this Thunder.

Last season in one of the meetings between the clubs the Lakers rested both LeBron and AD. Unfortunately, the Thunder failed to capitalize allowing Kyle Kuzma to go ballistic scoring 36 points.

Since Daigneault was an assistant to that squad hopefully he reminds the team of this fact in case one or both of LeBron and AD sit out this match for load management.

All stats courtesy of basketball reference or NBA Stats.

Game specifics:

Records:

• Thunder: 5-5
• Lakers: 9-3

The Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena

Tipoff:  8:00 PM ET  | 7:00 PM CT

TV: Fox Sports  Oklahoma | NBA League Pass

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

Odds:

Injuries:

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Last week the Lakers listed both Anthony Davis and LeBron James as questionable to play. They remained on the list all week long but played in each match. They are no longer on the injury report, however, it wouldn’t be surprising if one of them sits for load management particularly because this is a back-to-back set.

Thunder:

• Ty Jerome (ankle) – out indefinitely
• Trevor Ariza (personal) out indefinitely

Lakers:

• Jared Dudley didn’t play versus the Rockets due to a calf injury and is questionable for Wednesday.
• Wesley Matthews also missed the Rockets game with an Achilles injury and like Dudley is questionable to play.

History:

The teams have played each other 243 times in regular-season history with the Lakers holding a 146-97 advantage. Last season the Lakers won three of the four contests between the squads.

Enjoy the game and check back tomorrow for grades and three takeaways.