OKC Thunder: 3 keys to upsetting the defending champion Lakers

OKC Thunder key no. 3: Reserve unit needs to be productive

In the first meeting between the teams, the game was decided so early both benches got ample minutes. Yet, even though five of the eight Thunder reserves logged more than double-digit minutes they were outscored 57 to  49.

That might not seem like a big deal but the Lakers were up by almost 30 points so it’s not like LA was invested in running the score up unnecessarily.

On the season the Lakers have reserve unit ranks second in net posting a plus 7.2 point differential. The Thunder reserves rank 13th with a slim positive margin of 0.3.

For those wanting to dive in deeper to the first meeting between OKC and LA check out Matthew Hallet’s player grades here.

All stats courtesy of basketball reference or NBA Stats.

Game specifics:

Records:

• Thunder: 10-12
• Lakers: 18-6

The Venue: Staples Center

Tipoff:  10:00 PM ET  | 9:00 PM CT

TV: Fox Sports  Oklahoma | NBA League Pass

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

Odds:

Injuries:

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:

• Mike Muscala was on fire Saturday not missing a shot until 4:57 of the third quarter but took an elbow to the head in the fourth and is now in the concussion protocol program. He’s listed as day-to-day but as we’ve seen in prior concussion situations he could miss one game or be out for a lengthy period.
• Isaiah Roby missed the Saturday match versus the Timberwolves nursing a foot injury and is listed as day-to-day.
• George Hill had a procedure done to his thumb that will keep him out until early to mid-March.
• Trevor Ariza (personal) remains out indefinitely

Lakers:

• Jared Dudley remains out dealing with a calf injury and no timetable for return.
• Kostas Antetokounmpo is suffering from right knee tendinitis and has no definitive return date.

History:

The teams have played each other 254 times in regular-season history with the Lakers holding a 147-107 advantage. Last season the Lakers won three of the four contests between the squads and took the initial meeting on January 13th (128-99) this season.

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