It has been a mismatch so far and the Oklahoma City Thunder can put the finishing touches to a sweep of the LA Lakers to cruise into the Western Conference finals.
The Thunder went 3-0 against LeBron's outclassed outfit with a comprehensive 131-108 at the Crypto.com Arena, making a mockery of home advantage.
That's played seven, won seven so far as OKC breezes through the NBA Playoffs and there is no evidence from the first three games of this series that the Lakers know how to turn off the taps.
Lakers vs. Thunder Game 4 betting picks and predictions
Oklahoma City Thunder -11.0 (-110)
The Lakers and Thunder meet for Game 4 of their Western Conference semifinal with LeBron James' and his team in need of a miracle that simply doesn't look like happening.
The Lakers need to win to keep the series alive and are +400 to pull it off.
The Thunder are so much better than the Lakers right now that they are -110 to cover a 11.0-point spread and it looks the only play.
They have won the first three games of this series by 18, 18 and 23 points so far, covering the spread every time, and they are doing this hatchet job with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander yet to play his A game.
The reigning MVP is playing well, that's a given. But he himself admits he hasn't quite been on it with the likes of Ajay Mitchell and Chet Holmgren enjoying a chance to shine in a team which just looks so much better than everyone else in the conference.
The Lakers are missing Luka Doncic, of that there is no doubt, and it would have been fascinating to see how the series would have panned out with him involved.
But the reality is he hasn't and without him the Lakers simply haven't been anywhere near good enough with time catching up on James and Austin Reaves struggling to impact after his own return from injury.
Ajay Mitchell Over 24.5 Points, Assists & Rebounds (-120)
One of the stories of the playoffs has been Ajay Mitchell, who has been offered a chance with Jalen Williams out and has taken it in some style.
Mitchell has started the last five games, the back two of the sweep of Phoenix and these three against the Lakers, and across that period is averaging 19.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists.
While the Lakers focus on trying to nullify SGA, Mitchell has filled the gaps offensively and also helped out in defense.
He is hitting over 53 percent of his shots against the Lakers and looking after the ball with only three turnovers.
"It might be a shock to the world, but it's no shock to us," said Gilgeous-Alexander of the latest star to roll off the Thunder's impressive bench.
The Thunder will want to wrap this up 4-0 and take all the extra days available before squaring off against either San Antonio or Minnesota, so expect them to go strong and hard in Game 4. And that means Mitchell starting and starring and steaming past 24.5 in points, assists and rebounds combined.
Austin Reaves Under 25.5 Points & Rebounds (-105)
Austin Reaves had a Game 3 to forget in terms of shooting - he shot 5-for-13 - which masked a decent playmaking night; he had nine assists.
He shot much better in Game 2 - 31 points and 62.5 percent from the field. In Game 1, however, he had shot just 18 percent.
Reaves is finding his way back from injury and needs to be better and more consistent. The problem is he needs to be better and more consistent against the best team in the league.
For a player combo bet with Reaves, take assists out of the mix because he can still pick a pass. But take him to fall short of 25.5 points and rebounds.
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Lakers vs. Thunder Game 4 odds
Lakers | +400 |
Thunder | -550 |
Spread | Thunder -11.0 |
Total Points | O/U 214.0 |
Lakers vs. Thunder Game 4 player props
Player Points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder) | O/U 28.5 |
LeBron James (LA Lakers) | O/U 21.5 |
Austin Reaves (LA Lakers) | O/U 21.5 |
Chet Holmgren (OKC Thunder) | O/U 18.5 |
Ajay Mitchell (OKC Thunder) | O/U 17.5 |
Rui Hachimura (LA Lakers) | O/U 14.5 |
Lakers vs. Thunder Game 4 team news
Lakers
Lakers' star guard Luka Doncic has been ruled out once again with the hamstring strain which has seen him miss the entire playoffs. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt could feature off the bench after missing two games with a finger injury.
Thunder
Jalen Williams sits out for OKC for the sixth straight with a hamstring injury, meaning another chance for Ajay Mitchell to shine in his absence. Big man Thomas Sorber is also ruled out.
Read the latest NBA news on site.
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.
