OKC Thunder without Mike Muscala, Lakers down LeBron James

The OKC Thunder are searching for their first win of the season, taking on the L.A. Lakers on the second night of a back-to-back for each squad. This game will wrap up a three-game home swing for the Oklahoma City Thunder before they hit the road again on Saturday in Golden State.

The Thunder have spent this season healthy as for more of the first four games Mark Daigneault has had all 17 players at his disposal. Now, however, that list of available players continues to shrink. Last night, the OKC Thunder elected to rest Derrick Favors which led to Jeremiah Robinson-Earl making his first start of his NBA Career. Tonight, Oklahoma City will rest Mike Muscala as Favors returns.

OKC Thunder without Mike Muscala, others against L.A. Lakers squad without LeBron James

The Oklahoma City Thunder will miss Mike Muscala’s services tonight, who has been one of the best players in blue this season, including seeing Muscala rank in some of the most successful lineups Mark Daigneault has pieced together.

Of lineups that have played together for ten plus possessions, a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Josh Giddey, Darius Bazley, Mike Muscala lineup is a +36.5 in terms of differential. That group scores 161.5 points per possession while turning in a 77.3 efg percentage.

The Thunder are also without their Two-Way players, Paul Watson Jr and Aaron Wiggins, as they report to OKC Blue training camp in preparation for next week’s G-League kick-off, Vit Krejci was also sent down to the Blue and will be out tonight.

The Lakers will be without LeBron James, Trevor Ariza, Sekou Doumbouya, Talen Hortin-Tucker, Jay Huff, and Kendrick Nunn. The team also lists Anthony Davis and Wayne Ellington as questionable.

Russell Westbrook in the lead ball-handler role without LeBron James last night had a great game against the San Antonio Spurs, now he returns home, to Oklahoma City in front of Thunder fans. He will likely put on a show tonight in the Paycom Center.