Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder 3/1/2023 Prediction, Best Bets and Odds
The Los Angeles Lakers will go against the Oklahoma City Thunder in NBA action in Paycom Center, OK, on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET. The Lakers are playing well lately and are coming into this match with a three-game unbeaten run. They are now 12th in the Western Conference rankings, 1.5 games back of the play-in round, and 2.5 games behind sixth. With a victory versus the Thunder, which would be their fifth victory in their last six games and fourth in a row, they will attempt to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Los Angeles scores 117 points per contest on average. In their most recent game, they scored 111 points and made 43.3 percent of their field goals and 17.6 percent of their three-point attempts. Los Angeles was led by Anthony Davis, who had 30 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks. Jarred Vanderbilt contributed 15 points, 17 rebounds, and four steals, and LeBron James ended with 26 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. Los Angeles had trouble playing defense, allowing 117.9 points per game. In their previous game, they allowed 108 points, so if they want to win this one, they will need to put out a similar effort.
- The total stayed UNDER in 5 of LA Lakers’ last 6 games against an opponent in the Western Conference.
- The LA Lakers are 4-8 SU in their last 12 games against an opponent in the Northwest Division.
- The Los Angeles Lakers are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games played in March.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder 3/1/2023 Prediction, Best Bets and Odds
The Oklahoma City Thunder are in a tough spot as they come into their game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Paycom Center in OK. After a difficult week, the Thunder have suffered three consecutive losses, leaving them one game away from the play-in round and ranked 13th in the Western Conference. A win against the Lakers, which would be their second victory in their previous five games, is crucial to ending their losing run.
Scoring an average of 117.8 points per game, the Thunder have a solid offense, but their defense has been underperforming, allowing an average of 116.6 points per game. In their most recent game, the Thunder managed to score 115 points, with Isaiah Joe leading the charge with 24 points and three assists, followed by Luguentz Dort and Josh Giddey with 18 points each. Despite their impressive offensive production, the Thunder struggled defensively, allowing 124 points in their previous game. If they want to beat the Lakers, they will need to improve their defense and put out a better performance.
- Oklahoma City are 1-6 SU in their last 7 games against an opponent in the Pacific Division.
- The Oklahoma City Thuner is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games played in March.
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Oklahoma City’s last 8 games played on a Wednesday.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder. The NBA pick for this game is the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Lakers have won four of their last five games, but they have been inconsistent on the road, and their offense will be vulnerable without James and Russell in the lineup, particularly with back-to-back games. They have struggled at the free throw line in their previous three matches, missing over 70% of their attempts. The Thunder, who have an excellent rebounding record and average more than eight steals per game at home, will take advantage of the Lakers’ poor ball handling on the road. The Thunder is not known for their defense, but they play better at home, holding two of their last three opponents to under 105 points, which suggests they will be able to keep the Lakers’ offense in check.
Despite the Thunder’s recent struggles, they have won six of their last ten home games and boast one of the strongest offenses in the league, scoring over 120 points per game. They have also improved their free throw shooting and reduced their turnover rate. The Lakers have had a solid defensive performance, but they have struggled to contain opponents on the road, allowing over 120 points per game. Therefore, it will be difficult for them to contain the Thunder’s attack. As a result, the Thunder are expected to win with a predicted score of 120-114.
NBA Starting Time: 8:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Paycom Center, OK
Date: Wednesday, March 1, 2023
TV: Spectrum SportsNet
NBA Odds: Los Angeles Lakers -1.5
NBA Totals: 230.5
