Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction: Amped-up Lakers take on spirited Thunder in a crucial game

NBA is moving into the final parts of the Regular Season and we are going to swing into the Playoffs/Play-in tournament. The Play-in tournament has opened the doors for the ninth/tenth-ranked teams to have a shot at getting in the First Round of the Playoffs which makes for an intriguing finish to the season. And in another interesting affair, the Los Angeles Lakers are going to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder

The Lakers come into the contest after defeating the Dallas Mavericks 122:111 in controversial circumstances. The Lakers had more than double-amount of free-throw attempts(46-20) compared to the Mavs and Suns’ coach Monty Williams accused referees of being partisan. Anyway, Anthony Davis had 27 points and nine rebounds night to lead the effort as usual.

The Lakers have won two in a row and in an extended period, they have 10 wins in 15 games to rekindle the hopes for the Play-in tournament. Austin Reaves has been instrumental during the current run while D’Angelo Russell’s return has been crucial. The Lakers have 36 wins and 37 losses, a record that is identical to as many as five squads and there are eight squads fighting for both the first round Playoffs and Play-in tournament.

The Thunder enters the game after a big 105:127 loss against the Clippers despite a 30 points performance by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Despite the loss, the team has done well and in an extended period, they have won eight of their last eleven games to storm back into the Postseason contention. Shai is averaging close to 34 points a game in March and has been the centerpiece of the run.

He has had big help from Josh Giddey who has become an all-around guard whereas rookie Jalen Williams has given solid minutes too. Luguentz Dort’s offensive play has improved to aid his defensive efforts. The Thunder is a makeshift squad full of young players and has certainly exceeded expectations. If they make the Play-in tournament, it will be a huge success chapter in their rebuild under coach Mark Daigneault.

• Lakers: OUT: Mo Bamba, LeBron James. PROBABLE: Anthony Davis;
• Thunder: OUT: Kenrich Williams, Chet Holmgren.

• Expected Leading Scorers: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander(30+ Points), Anthony Davis(28-32 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Anthony Davis(10+ Rebounds), Jalen Williams(8-10 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Austin Reaves(7-9 Assists), Josh Giddey(6-8 Assists).

These two teams have the same records and both teams are equally desperate to seize a Play-in spot. Both teams have been in terrific rhythm and barring some losses, they have troubled opponents on both ends. The Lakers play at home which is always a huge advantage while the Thunder can take inspiration from their impressive away-from-home play recently. Anyway, I expect the Lakers to come on top in a contest that goes to the last minute. I predict a scoreline of 109:106 in favor of the Lakers.