On Wednesday, the Oklahoma City Thunder will be facing the Los Angeles Lakers. The Thunder have split their games in the bubble, winning one and losing one. The Lakers are 2-1 and just secured the number one spot in the West.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder had a heartbreaking loss their last time out against the Nuggets. They entered as the favorites but ended up losing in OT.
They are led by young standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is averaging 19.4 points this season and has a bright future ahead in the NBA.
At 41-25, the Thunder sit in the 6th spot in the West for the playoffs. Chris Paul has entered this team, and they have seen some success. He leads the team in assists with 6.8 per game.
Steven Adams continues to be the reliable big man for the Thunder. He is one of the only original pieces remaining from the successful Kevin Durant teams in Oklahoma City.
They look to bounce back after a loss, but this will be a tough one.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have just clinched the top spot in the West and are on a championship run. LeBron James and company have their eyes on the NBA Finals. However, the Western Conference will not provide an easy road.
Since the restart, Anthony Davis has shown why he was the right pick up for the Lakers. Last time out, he scored 42 points against the Jazz, going 13 for 28 from the field. While also snagging 12 rebounds, he has been a double-double machine.
Davis has also been money from the free-throw line. He is a big man that the team wants to have the ball down the stretch.
James has had some struggles shooting in the first couple of games but improved against the Jazz. He went nine for 16 and scored 22 points. With eight board and nine assists, he was just short of a triple-double.
They have only had one disappointing game in the bubble against the Toronto Raptors. Other than that, it has been smooth sailing.
As long as they all stay healthy, the Lakers have as good of a shot as anyone to represent the West in the Finals.
Prediction
The Lakers are going to be relaxed for the rest of the season after securing the number one seed. They won’t want to lose any momentum and play poorly, but wants his team fresh for the playoff run.
That fact makes their last couple of games hard against the spread. It all depends on the urgency in which they play after their playoff position is set.
However, the Thunder aren’t on the level of the Lakers. Since it is only their fourth game in the bubble, I believe the Lakers will still come out strong.
The Thunder won’t be able to contain Anthony Davis, even with Steven Adams. He will continue to have success, and the Lakers will cover in this one. Visit NJSportsbookReview to find where you can take the Lakers.