Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Predictions November 29th 2024

Thunder and Lakers Face Off in NBA Cup Showdown

The Oklahoma City Thunder bring a three-game winning streak and their sights set on a perfect road trip as they face the Los Angeles Lakers in a critical NBA Cup group-play game on Friday night. With both teams eyeing advancement in the tournament, the stakes are high in Los Angeles.

Thunder: Eyeing Perfection on the Road

The Thunder, currently leading the Western Conference, have been on a roll, winning three straight games. They sit at 1-1 in West Group B play and must secure victories over the Lakers and the Utah Jazz on Tuesday to bolster their chances of advancing to the knockout stage. Even then, tiebreaking scenarios might come into play.

Oklahoma City’s most recent victory, a gritty 105-101 road win over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, showcased their resilience.

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Thunder’s star guard delivered a stellar 35-point performance, including 12 points in the decisive fourth quarter. He has been the team’s driving force throughout the season.
• Jalen Williams: Williams exited Wednesday’s game just before halftime with an eye injury but is not listed on the injury report for Friday, giving the Thunder a key boost.
• Isaiah Hartenstein: Filling in for absent teammates, Hartenstein stepped up with 14 points and 14 rebounds, providing critical support on both ends of the court.

Despite their win, the Thunder shot just 31.6% in the fourth quarter, a performance they’ll need to improve to secure a win against the Lakers.
“That shouldn’t change the way we play,” Hartenstein said of the challenges they faced. “We shouldn’t have been in that (close) situation.”

The Thunder will be without Chet Holmgren and Alex Caruso, both sidelined with hip injuries. Holmgren’s absence, in particular, will be felt as he recovers into the new year.

Lakers: Defending Champions Back on Track

The Lakers are the defending NBA Cup champions, but their path to advancing this year is narrow. After a 127-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns earlier this week, they rebounded with a 119-101 road win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday, snapping a three-game losing streak.

• LeBron James: At 39 years old, James continues to defy age with remarkable performances. His sixth triple-double of the season (16 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds) against the Spurs underscores his pivotal role for the Lakers. James has averaged 22.9 points, 9.3 assists, and 8.2 rebounds while playing every game this season.
• Anthony Davis: Davis contributed 19 points and 14 rebounds against San Antonio, anchoring the Lakers’ frontcourt.
• Dalton Knecht: The rookie shined with a team-best 20 points, including four 3-pointers, and has emerged as a valuable contributor in his first NBA season.

Head coach JJ Redick praised the team’s response after their losing streak.
“The response was great,” Redick said. “You got to let go of the recent past and get on to the next thing.”

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Key Matchups to Watch

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Lakers’ Defense: Gilgeous-Alexander is the Thunder’s engine, and his ability to penetrate the Lakers’ defense will be crucial.
2. LeBron James’ All-Around Impact: James continues to play at an elite level. His scoring, playmaking, and leadership will be vital as the Lakers try to keep their NBA Cup hopes alive.
3. Isaiah Hartenstein vs. Anthony Davis: Hartenstein will need another strong performance to match Davis’ dominance in the paint.
4. Dalton Knecht’s Shooting: Knecht’s ability to stretch the floor with his 3-point shooting provides the Lakers with a critical offensive weapon.

NBA Cup Implications

The Thunder have more control over their destiny, with a path to advancement involving wins against the Lakers and Jazz. For the Lakers, the situation is more complicated. They need a victory over Oklahoma City and a loss by the Phoenix Suns to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.

As the NBA’s in-season tournament heats up, this matchup carries significant weight for both teams. Can the Thunder keep their road trip perfect and strengthen their hold on the top of the Western Conference, or will the Lakers’ veteran leadership and championship pedigree shine through under pressure? The stage is set for a thrilling contest in Los Angeles.