Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Pick - Odds - Betting Preview

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Pick - Odds - Betting Preview

Cliff Knox
Date: March 1, 8:00 pm
Location: Chesapeake Energy Arena
TV: NBA

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Oklahoma City Thunder -1.5
Total: 229

<h2>Last Game: </h2>
<p>Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers lost to the Memphis Grizzlies, 109-121. They failed to cover the spread as 9-point underdogs, and the game went under the total of 230.5. Russell Westbrook had a triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Anthony Davis added 25 points and 10 rebounds.</p>
<p>Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder lost to the Sacramento Kings, 117-123. They failed to cover the spread as 2.5-point underdogs, and the game went over the total of 230. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 29 points and 6 rebounds, while Josh Giddey added 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.</p>
<h2>POWER STATS</h2>
<h3>Assists and Turnovers: </h3>
<p>The Los Angeles Lakers average 25.25 assists and 13.41 turnovers per game, giving them an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.88. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder average 24.68 assists and 12.9 turnovers per game, giving them a slightly better assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.91.</p>
<h3>Rebounding: </h3>
<p>The Lakers have a higher rebounding average than the Thunder, with 45.65 total rebounds per game compared to the Thunder's 43.85. The Lakers also have a higher average of offensive rebounds per game, with 9.72 compared to the Thunder's 11.52.</p>
<h3>Shooting Percentage:</h3>
<p>The Lakers have a better shooting percentage on offense than the Thunder, averaging 48.08%. The Thunder's offense averages 46.94%. However, the Lakers' defense has a slightly worse shooting percentage than the Thunder's defense, with 46.97% compared to the Thunder's 46.98%. Overall, this gives the Lakers a differential of 1.11, while the Thunder have a differential of -0.04.</p>
<h2>BETTING ODDS TRENDS: </h2>
<p>Looking at the betting odds trends, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been playing well against the spread recently, covering in 15 of their last 23 games. However, they have struggled to win games outright, with just one win in their last six games. The total has gone under in four of their last six games.</p>
<p>On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers have been a little more inconsistent, going 4-2 against the spread in their last six games, but also losing games they were expected to win. The total has gone under in six of their last seven games.</p>
<p>When playing at home against the Lakers, the Thunder have covered the spread in 12 of their last 17 games, and have won 16 of their last 22 games at home against the Lakers. However, the Lakers have been able to win four of their last five games when playing on the road against the Thunder.</p>
<h2>INJURIES: </h2>
<p>In terms of injuries, the Lakers are missing their star player LeBron James due to a foot injury, and D'Angelo Russell is questionable with an ankle injury. The Thunder are missing their rising star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with an abdominal injury, and Aleksej Pokusevski is out with a knee injury until early March.</p>

Lakers at Thunder NBA Pick - 03/01/23

Based on the power stats and betting odds trends, this game looks to be a close matchup between two teams that have been inconsistent this season. The Lakers have the advantage in shooting percentage, but the Thunder have the advantage in assists and turnovers, and rebounding.

Ultimately, the key factor in this game will likely be the absence of LeBron James for the Lakers. Without his presence on the court, the Lakers will struggle to keep up with the Thunder, who have a solid home record and will be motivated to secure a win after several recent losses.

Considering all of these factors, our expert bets are prediction is that the Los Angeles Lakers will win this game, covering the spread and the total going under.

Free Pick: Take the Under 229
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