The Oklahoma City Thunder look to be living up to the hype as they go into Game 2 with the Los Angeles Lakers looking to extend their series lead.
Having finished top of the Western Conference, OKC then overran the Suns with a 4-0 series win in the first round of the NBA Playoffs and they already look too strong for the Lakers.
Game 1 saw the Thunder ease to an 18-point victory, restricting JJ Redick’s team to just 18 points in the fourth quarter after allowing only 19 in the third.
Thursday’s matchup takes place in Oklahoma and the Thunder look strong favourites to continue their recent record against their Western Conference rivals.
Lakers vs. Thunder Game 2 betting picks and predictions
Alternate point spread - Thunder -10.0 (-225)
Mark Daigneault’s men lost just 18 games in the regular season and look right on track to claim back-to-back NBA titles.
Not only is current form in their favour, but they have also enjoyed an impressive winning streak against LeBron James and co.
Victory in Game 1 made it six straight wins over the Lakers since April 2025, with OKC now -165 to go on and be crowned champions.
In five of those six victories, the Thunder have won by 15+ points, including Tuesday’s 108-90 playoff success.
As if things couldn’t get much tougher for LA, they head to the Paycom Center without one of their stars due to injury, with Luka Doncic missing out.
The six-time NBA All-Star has a hamstring strain and is set to miss his eighth playoff game of the season, with still no firm date for his return.
Some reports suggest Doncic won’t be back on the court until Game 4 at the earliest, by which time this series could be over.
The Lakers are also sweating on the fitness of Jarred Vanderbilt (finger) and Luke Kennard (neck) ahead of Thursday’s matchup.
Chet Holmgren - Over 8.5 Rebounds (-120)
One of the key figures for OKC to date has been Chet Holmgren, with the Power forward looking to win a second Championship ring at the age of just 24.
The 2022 second overall draft pick made a big impact in Game 1, top-scoring for the Thunder with 27 points and was two-from-two from three point range.
His rebound work was the standout, claiming 12 on Tuesday after averaging 8.9 per game during the regular season.
It’s also worth noting that Holmgren racked up 10 rebounds in the Thunder’s 123-87 win in Los Angeles in the most recent regular-season matchup.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 10+ Assists (+350)
Finals MVP favorite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was relatively quiet in Game 1 and that should be a concern for the Lakers.
The OKC guard has averaged 31.1 points per game during the regular season, but scored only 18 on Tuesday.
Gilgeous-Alexander did top the assist stats though and is likely to play a significant role in-and-around the paint on Thursday.
The 27-year-old made six assists in the first game of the series and averaged eight assists in the three games he faced the Lakers in the regular season.
He will be looking to make a big impression on Thursday to help his side take firm control of the series.
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Lakers vs. Thunder Game 2 odds
Lakers | -950 |
Thunder | +625 |
Spread | Thunder -15.5 |
Total Points | O/U 210.5 |
Lakers vs. Thunder Game 2 player props
Player Points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder) | O/U 30.5 |
LeBron James (LA Lakers) | O/U 21.5 |
Austin Reaves (LA Lakers) | O/U 18.5 |
Chet Holmgren (OKC Thunder) | O/U 16.5 |
Ajay Mitchell (OKC Thunder) | O/U 16.5 |
Rui Hachimura (LA Lakers) | O/U 13.5 |
Lakers vs. Thunder Game 2 team news
Lakers
Luka Doncic is still on the sidelines with the MVP candidate still struggling with a hamstring problem suffered last month.
The Lakers will also make late decisions on the fitness of Jarred Vanderbilt (dislocated finger) and Luke Kennard (neck).
Thunder
The hosts are still without hamstring victim Jalen Williams, while Thomas Sorber is the other significant absentee as he continues his rehab for a torn ACL.
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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
