The Oklahoma City Thunder will square off against the Los Angeles Lakers this afternoon at the STAPLES Center. Start time in today’s Western Conference battle between these two high profile squads is set for 3:30pm ET; the game will be broadcast live on ABC. The latest NBA Odds have the Thunder listed as a -3.5 against the spread road favorite and the Over/Under set at 206.5 points. The Lakers are drawing +145 moneyline odds to win their second consecutive game.
Los Angeles stumbled into what has become an increasingly rare win on Friday night as it dumped a hot Jazz team 102-84 at the STAPLES Center. The offensive output for the Lakers was not a surprise, they do average over 102 points per game after all; however, the defensive showing was most definitely unusual.
Los Angeles, which downed 9-of-21 from beyond the arc, dominated the glass 45 to 30 and it held Utah, a team that average 46 percent from the floor, to 42 percent field goal shooting. Despite the win, the Lakers are a pedestrian 13-10 at home and a miserable 18-25 overall.
The Lakers will need another strong defensive effort this afternoon to have any chance at all against Kevin Durant and company. Oklahoma City has uncharacteristically dropped two of its last four games, but it still owns the league’s best record at 34-10. The Thunder, who close out a six game road swing today, also lead the league with a 105.9 point per game average.
Oklahoma City last played on Friday night when it topped the Kings 105-95 at the Sleep Train Arena. Four of the Thunder’s five starters scored in double figures, lead by Durant’s 24 points, but the team also got 24 points from reserve Kevin Martin, who has taken over the roll once occupied by James Harden.
The Thunder have won eight of the last 10 in this series and they are 4-2 straight up and 4-1-1 against the spread in their last six games at the STAPLES Center.
Free Pick: Take the Thunder -3.5.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers NBA Odds:
Oklahoma City Thunder -3.5 (-110), Over 206.5 (-110), -165 (Moneyline)
Los Angeles Lakers +3.5 (-110), Under 206.5 (-110), +145 (Moneyline)
NBA Free Picks: LA Lakers at Oklahoma City Betting
What NBA bettors need to know about Los Angeles Lakers at Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday (1/27/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Scott Spreitzer, with Vegas Runner.
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