Los Angeles Lakers (15-13) vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (17-8)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 12/23/23 – Saturday marks an eagerly-anticipated NBA clash between Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder, promising an exhilarating clash of basketball titans. With 15-13 on the books for Los Angeles Lakers compared to 17-8 for Oklahoma City, both sides should present fierce competition on Saturday at Paycom Center (start time 8:00 PM ET, broadcast on BSOK) that promises an entertaining matchup and premium game analysis for fans and bettors alike.
The Lakers have displayed strength this season, averaging 113.8 points per game at 48.6% field goal percentage. Their offensive strategy features 10.6 three-point field goals per game at 34.8% success, which demonstrates their ability to score from long range. Defensively, their 44.4 rebounds per game combined with 7.7 steals and 5.5 blocks is indicative of strong defense; however, 13.7 turnovers could prove troublesome when facing stiff opposition in close games.
The Thunder have been dominant offensively, scoring 120.2 points per game and boasting an incredible 48.8% field goal percentage that just narrowly edged out the Lakers’ 48.1% mark, along with an excellent 38.2% from beyond the arc. On defense, they average 41.6 rebounds per game but their 8.6 steals and 6.4 blocks show aggressive and effective play on defense while their lower turnover rate of 12 indicates superior ball control.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 23, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Paycom Center |
| TV: | BSOK |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
LeBron James (SF) vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG)
LeBron James continues to defy Father Time in his 20th NBA season, serving as the catalyst to everything the Lakers do on offense. His scoring, rebounding and playmaking have kept the Lakers afloat, although his effort on defense has understandably declined. Stopping SGA will be a difficult assignment for James, who no longer possesses the lateral quickness to keep up with elite guards.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander seems to get better every year, blossoming into an MVP candidate for the Thunder. In addition to his scoring, he creates opportunities for his teammates and provides stout perimeter defense. SGA should be able to capitalize on some mismatches against the older James and the Thunder will need him at his best to fend off the upset-minded Lakers.
The individual matchup between James and Gilgeous-Alexander may ultimately decide this contest. James remains capable of epic performances but likely won’t have enough in the tank to match SGA basket-for-basket or slow him down defensively over 48 minutes.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds are currently TBD, but they are expected to reflect the close nature of this matchup. The Thunder’s superior record might make them the favorites, but the Lakers’ experience and star power cannot be underestimated.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The Lakers against the spread trends are extremely favorable entering this contest. They have covered in 4 straight games and have gone OVER the total in just 1 of their last 5 contests. Los Angeles also plays well on the road against the spread at 5-6. All of these trends suggest the Lakers should, at the very least, keep this game close.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
While the Lakers trends paint them as undervalued underdogs, the Thunder have some positive trends of their own. They have gone OVER the total in 3 of 5 games and are 7-2 against the spread at home. With the league’s 4th highest scoring offense, Oklahoma City has the ability to turn this into a high-scoring shootout.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 12/23/23 Betting Picks
Based on the statistical analysis and betting trends, this game is shaping up to be a closely contested battle. The Thunder might have the statistical edge, especially in offensive output, but the Lakers’ experience and LeBron’s leadership could be the equalizer.
In terms of betting, while the Thunder could be the safer pick, the Lakers’ potential for an upset should not be overlooked. For those looking for top NBA free picks today, considering prop bets on individual player performances, especially those of James and Gilgeous-Alexander, could be intriguing.
Free Pick and Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 118, Los Angeles Lakers 112