The Oklahoma City Thunder are in total control of this Western Conference semi-final series, leading 2-0 ahead of Game 3 in Los Angeles.
The Lakers need to make some radical adjustments to stay in the NBA Playoffs, or they risk falling into an almost unassailable 3-0 deficit to the champion Thunder.
Thunder vs. LA Lakers Game 3 betting picks and predictions
Thunder - over 109.5 points (-120)
The Thunder excelled on both ends in the opening two contests, winning 108-90 in Game 1, before a 125-107 victory doubled their advantage in the series.
OKC are now 6-0 in the postseason, and they wrapped up their first-round series with a couple of strong displays in Phoenix. They scored 121 and 131 points to close out a Suns side which had built its identity on defensive solidity.
As the younger, deeper roster, the Thunder should only look stronger as this series progresses. They’ve already won comfortably in LA this season, beating the Lakers by 36 in April, after a 119-110 win in February.
The defending champions have scored at least 119 in six of their last seven contests against the Lakers, and their incredible offensive options can help them past 109 points in Game 3.
Both teams to score 50 points in the first-half (+130)
Coming into the game 2-0 down, the Lakers will need a strong start in front of their home crowd. The first-half total is set at 104.0, and they should be able to cause OKC some problems across the first two quarters.
The Thunder led 61-53 at half-time in Game 1, while they trailed 58-57 at the break in Game 2. The Lakers lack options to slow the champions down, but they can come out swinging, taking both sides past 50 points by half-time.
Jared McCain 3+ made threes (+375)
Jalen Williams’ absence has been eased by Jared McCain’s impressive contributions off the bench for the Thunder. He’s shot 4-5 from three in both games of this series so far, yet he’s priced at +375 to make another three shots from distance.
The Lakers matchup appears to suit McCain, who went 3-4 from three in the April victory at LA. After moving from Philadelphia at February’s trade deadline, McCain scored seven threes across home and away meetings with Eastern Conference leaders Detroit, he shot 3-7 from the perimeter in his return to Philadelphia, and he also twice recorded five threes in a single game.
Having seen 33 minutes of action across the first two games, bumping his field-goal attempts up to 11 in Game 2, McCain can add to his fine shooting from deep.
Tie - OKC Thunder double result (+1800)
The Lakers led by a point at the break in Game 2, and they are expected to go blow-for-blow with OKC early on in Game 3. The talent deficit between the sides suggests this will be a short series, but LA can match them through two quarters. An even first-half, followed by OKC claiming a third win, stands out at a massive +1800.
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Thunder vs. Lakers Game 3 odds
Thunder | -380 |
Lakers | +300 |
Spread | Thunder -8.5 |
Total Points | O/U 211.5 |
Thunder vs. Lakers Game 3 player props
Player Points
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder) | O/U 30.5 |
LeBron James (LA Lakers) | O/U 22.5 |
Austin Reaves (LA Lakers) | O/U 21.5 |
Chet Holmgren (OKC Thunder) | O/U 16.5 |
Ajay Mitchell (OKC Thunder) | O/U 16.5 |
Rui Hachimura (LA Lakers) | O/U 13.5 |
Thunder vs. Lakers Game 3 team news
Thunder
The Thunder head to California with Jalen Williams and Thomas Sorber both ruled out.
Lakers
The Lakers are still waiting on the return of Luka Doncic, with the All-Star ruled out again ahead of Game 3. Doncic is thought to be pushing for a return in this series, but he’s running out of time with his team looking outmatched.
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.
