The Oklahoma City Thunder (11-6) host the Los Angeles Lakers (11-8) on Thursday, November 30, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The Thunder are currently in second place in the Northwest Division, while the Lakers are in third place in the Pacific Division.
Thunder Outlook
They are a young and talented team that is playing well above expectations. They are averaging 114.6 points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. They are also shooting 47.1% from the field, which ranks fifth in the NBA.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the Thunder’s leading scorer, averaging 30.5 points per game. He is also a good rebounder and passer, averaging 6.1 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game. Gilgeous-Alexander is one of the most dynamic young players in the NBA and he is a key reason why the Thunder have been so successful this season.
Josh Giddey is another young player who is making a big impact for the Thunder. He is averaging 17.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Giddey is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and pass. He is also a good defender and he is a key part of the Thunder’s future.
Lakers Outlook
The Lakers are coming off a 138-94 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. LeBron James led the Lakers with 18 points, while Anthony Davis added 15 points. The Lakers shot 47.0% from the field and 25.0% from three-point range.
The Lakers are a veteran team with a lot of talent, but they have struggled to stay healthy and consistent this season. They are averaging a league-high 19.2 turnovers per game. They are also struggling to shoot the ball from three-point range, making just 33.7% of their three-point attempts.
LeBron James is still one of the best players in the NBA, but he is not the same player he was a few years ago. He is averaging 25.1 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game this season. However, he is shooting just 48.2% from the field and 30.0% from three-point range.
Anthony Davis is a talented player when he is healthy, but he has missed a lot of time with injuries in recent years. He is averaging 20.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game this season. However, he is shooting just 51.8% from the field.
Betting Prediction
The Thunder are a six-point favorite in this game. The over/under for the game is set at 233 points.
This game is a toss-up. The Thunder are a young and talented team that is playing well, but the Lakers are a veteran team with a lot of experience. I think the Thunder have the edge in this game, but it will be close. I am going to pick the Thunder to win by a few points.
Thunder 115 – Lakers 112
Prediction
I think this game will be close and high-scoring. I am going to pick the Thunder to cover the spread and the over to hit.
Thunder 122 – Lakers 118
Over 233 points (WINNER)
