OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers Prediction and Betting Tips for 2024 Emirates NBA Cup | Nov. 29    

The LA Lakers' defense will be tested against a quality OKC Thunder when they face off in a high-octane Emirates NBA Cup showdown at the Crypto.com Arena on Friday. The Lakers have been good, but not great. The good news was snapping off the torrid three-game losing streak, but their inconsistencies and struggles on both ends of the floor have seen them drop games, especially against top teams across both conferences.

OKC have been on a three-game winning streak and are 3-2 in their last five games. They notched up a close 105-101 win over the Golden State Warriors, and despite the absence of center Chet Holmgren have been a force on the defensive end. Their frontcourt, led by Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort, has been crucial in their team's elite defense, ensuring the team has separated itself from the pack with a solid 14-4 record.

The Purple and Gold restored parity to their wobbly campaign with a comprehensive 119-101 win against the San Antonio Spurs. LeBron James and Anthony Davis shouldered a major part of the load with rookie Dalton Knecht leading the team with a game-high 20 points. While the Lakers' offense is capable of matching up to that of the Thunder's, they will need to be clinical on defense to emerge winners.

Wins will also make their NBA Cup runs clear. The Lakers are 2-1, and a win on Friday will put them above the Phoenix Suns and the Spurs who have the same record. OKC has a chance to make things interesting with a win, although a few scenarios have to fall in their favor. LA's roadmap to advance is as simple as beating the Thunder and the Spurs winning against the Suns.

Both teams met four times last year with LA winning the series 3-1. The Lakers also lead the Thunder 156-111 in 267 regular season matchups.

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OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers Preview, predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction

The OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers matchup tips off at 10 pm ET. Live coverage will be on ESPN, SportsNet LA, and FanDuel Sports Oklahoma. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.

Here are the odds as listed at the time of writing:

Teams	Spread	Total (o/u)	Moneyline
OKC Thunder	+1	o231.5 (-108)	-110
LA Lakers	-1	u231.5 (-110)	-109

Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.

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OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers Preview

A win against a top-tier team will work well for a Lakers team that's been guilty of throwing away momentum. Their third-quarter woes and their erratic defense have been their bane this season to the point where their 3-point shooting takes a bit of a backseat when addressing these two issues. To their credit, their 26th-raled defensive efficiency looked better against the Spurs.

This team allows 117.8 points per every 100 possessions, and that could prove costly against an elite offensive Thunder side. LA is a better offensive unit averaging 116.8 points per every 100 possessions.

The Thunder will be keen to course-correct after their dismal series drubbing against the Lakers last season. They have started the year strong and have been one of the teams to beat in the West. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be an MVP candidate averaging 29.5 points and 6.4 assists. He's close to his last edition's 30-point metronome self and containing him will be a task for the hosts. OKC has the best defensive rating in the league (103.3) and is 12th on offense with just over 114 points.

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OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers Predicted Starting Lineups

Expect OKC to play the same starters they did in their last game against the Warriors.

The Thunder will be missing key names in Alex Caruso (hip) and Chet Holmgren (iliac) with the duo listed out. Also on the sidelines will be Jaylin Williams (hamstring), Ousmane Dieng (finger) and Nikola Topic (knee). Adam Flagler (and contusion) is questionable.

Position	Player
PG	Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG	Isaiah Joe
SF	Luguentz Dort
PF	Jalen Williams
C	Isiah Hartenstein

It's interesting to see the lineup JJ Redick deploys against a pacy Thunder unit. Cam Reddish made way for rookie Dalton Knecht and his insertion has helped LA add more jolt to their offense. The LA Lakers have some familiar names on their injury list. Anthony Davis (heel) is probable. Knecht (quad) is probable and reserve backup Jaxson Hayes (ankle) is doubtful. Jarred Vanderbilt (foot), Christian Wood (knee), and Bronny James (heel) are ruled out.

Position	Player
PG	Austin Reaves
SG	Dalton Knecht
SF	Rui Hachimura
PF	LeBron James
C	Anthony Davis

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OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers Betting Tips

LeBron James comes into the contest with an o/u of -115/-105 on points for the LA Lakers. Austin Reaves is -111/-115 points, and Dalton Knecht is -106/-115 on points. Anthony Davis is -125/-111 on points and rebounds. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is -120/-105 on points and rebounds. Lu Dort is -128/-118 on points and rebounds.

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OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers Prediction

The Thunder have boast of a potent defense this season with Hartenstein's return adding more teeth on that end. They are better placed on offense with their young side playing quick and selfless ball to put their opponents under immense pressure early on. Expect SGA to dismantle LA's defense and to have a field day. OKC is winning it all on Friday.