The Thunder and Lakers series heads to Los Angeles with genuine tension building after two fiery games in OKC.<\/p>\n
Despite missing Luka Doncic, the Lakers have made this series far more competitive than many expected through the opening two games.<\/p>\n
However, Oklahoma City\u2019s depth continues to create problems for LA, even with Jalen Williams sidelined.<\/p>\n
It also feels like only a matter of time before Shai Gilgeous-Alexander fully explodes offensively after a relatively quiet start to the series.<\/p>\n
Mitchell\u2019s role has expanded massively in the absence of Jalen Williams and he has delivered every time.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
When playing 30+ minutes this season, Mitchell averages 17.2 points per game and has cleared 15+ in 12 of 17 appearances.<\/p>\n
With his confidence growing and OKC needing additional scoring, he looks set for another big outing.<\/p>\n
Ayton\u2019s offensive game remains frustrating, but his rebounding work has been outstanding lately.<\/p>\n
The Lakers centre is averaging 10.8 rebounds across his last nine games and has recorded double-digit boards in seven of those contests.<\/p>\n
What makes that stretch more impressive is that much of it came against Houston, one of the toughest rebounding matchups for centres all season.<\/p>\n
Ayton has already pulled down 10 and 12 rebounds respectively in the opening two games against OKC, making eight rebounds look very achievable again.<\/p>\n
Holmgren has elevated himself into a genuine second scoring option for Oklahoma City with Williams unavailable.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Lakers continue to struggle containing his size and mobility combination.<\/p>\n