Thunder vs. Lakers NBA expert prediction and odds for MLK Day (Bet on OKC)
By Peter Dewey
The Oklahoma City Thunder are slight underdogs on Monday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, who are struggling mightily right now, losing seven of their last 10 games.
The Thunder could be without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (questionable) in this game, but if he plays, bettors could be getting some value on OKC.
Oklahoma City has won four straight games and sits just half a game behind the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference standings.
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How should we bet on this game with SGA questionable?
Thunder vs. Lakers odds, spread and total
Thunder vs. Lakers how to watch
- Date: Monday, Jan. 15
- Time: 10:30 p.m. EST
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena
- How to watch (TV): NBA TV, Bally Sports Southwest, Spectrum SportsNet
- Thunder Record: 27-11
- Lakers Record: 19-21
Thunder vs. Lakers injury reports
Oklahoma City Thunder injury report
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – questionable
Los Angeles Lakers injury report
- Cam Reddish – out
- Gabe Vincent – out
- LeBron James – questionable
- Anthony Davis – probable
Thunder vs. Lakers key players to watch
Oklahoma City Thunder
Chet Holmgren: This is a big matchup on both ends of the floor for Chet Holmgren. The rookie big man will have to guard Anthony Davis on one end, and likely deal with the Defensive Player of the Year candidate hounding him on the other end.
This season, Chet is averaging 17.9 points, 7.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game while shooting 55.7 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from 3. He’s put up 18 and 19 points in his two meetings with the Lakers this season.
Los Angeles Lakers
D’Angelo Russell: D’Lo is coming off his best game of the season, returning to the starting lineup to drop 39 points in a loss to the Utah Jazz. The Lakers need Russell’s scoring, whether it’s off the bench or in the starting lineup, if they want to turn things around this season.
Thunder vs. Lakers prediction and pick
Gilgeous-Alexander’s status is concerning for bettors looking to take the Thunder, but this could be a chance to buy low on the team if he plays.
I broke down this pick in my NBA Best Bets column on BetSided:
“I’m not sure we’ll get a better price on this for OKC, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (knee) is currently questionable for this game.
“I’m taking a shot on him playing on Monday against a Los Angeles Lakers team that has dropped seven of its last 10 games.
“The Lakers have been solid at home this season from a win/loss perspective, but they are just 6-9 against the spread as home favorites and are taking on an OKC team that is 6-2-1 ATS as a road dog.
“The Thunder rank No. 2 in the NBA in net rating while the Lakers are all the way down at No. 21. A lot of this bet depends on SGA’s availability, but if he plays, I think OKC gets the win.”
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.