The Thunder and Lakers series heads to Los Angeles with genuine tension building after two fiery games in OKC.
OKC Thunder vs LA Lakers
Despite missing Luka Doncic, the Lakers have made this series far more competitive than many expected through the opening two games.
However, Oklahoma City’s depth continues to create problems for LA, even with Jalen Williams sidelined.
It also feels like only a matter of time before Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fully explodes offensively after a relatively quiet start to the series.
Leg 1 - Ajay Mitchell 15+ Points
Mitchell’s role has expanded massively in the absence of Jalen Williams and he has delivered every time.
The Thunder guard is averaging 19 points across the first two games of this series and has now scored 15+ points in four straight games without Williams.
When playing 30+ minutes this season, Mitchell averages 17.2 points per game and has cleared 15+ in 12 of 17 appearances.
With his confidence growing and OKC needing additional scoring, he looks set for another big outing.
Leg 2 - Deandre Ayton 8+ Rebounds
Ayton’s offensive game remains frustrating, but his rebounding work has been outstanding lately.
The Lakers centre is averaging 10.8 rebounds across his last nine games and has recorded double-digit boards in seven of those contests.
What makes that stretch more impressive is that much of it came against Houston, one of the toughest rebounding matchups for centres all season.
Ayton has already pulled down 10 and 12 rebounds respectively in the opening two games against OKC, making eight rebounds look very achievable again.
Leg 3 - Chet Holmgren 15+ Points
Holmgren has elevated himself into a genuine second scoring option for Oklahoma City with Williams unavailable.
The versatile big man is averaging 23 points per game through the first two games of the series and has scored 20+ in both outings.
More broadly, Holmgren has now cleared 15+ points in 11 of his last 12 games without Jalen Williams, averaging 19.3 points over that stretch.
The Lakers continue to struggle containing his size and mobility combination.
Same Game Multi
Mitchell 15+ Points / Holmgren 15+ Points / Ayton 8+ Rebounds = $3.50
Value Bet - Jared McCain 3+ 3PM @ $4.75
McCain is doing exactly what Oklahoma City brought him in to provide — instant perimeter shooting.
The rookie has been lights out from deep during this series, knocking down 4+ triples in both Games 1 and 2 against the Lakers.
His recent performances have pushed him ahead of Aaron Wiggins in the rotation, and there’s every chance he continues eating into Isaiah Joe’s minutes as the series progresses.
If the Lakers continue collapsing defensively around SGA and Holmgren, McCain should again get plenty of clean perimeter looks.
