Sports
Thunder vs Lakers: Oklahoma City Favored in Crucial NBA Cup Matchup
The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Lakers are set to clash in a pivotal NBA Cup game on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Thunder, currently leading the Western Conference with a 14-4 record, are favored by 2.5 to 3 points, depending on the odds source.
The Thunder have been on a strong run, winning three consecutive games, including a recent 105-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a key factor, scoring at least 30 points in eight straight games and averaging 29.5 points and 6.4 assists per game this season.
Despite their strong performance, the Thunder face significant injury challenges, with Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, and Ousmane Dieng among those sidelined. However, the recent addition of Isaiah Hartenstein has bolstered their rebounding and defensive capabilities, with Hartenstein averaging 15.3 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game since his debut.
The Lakers, with a 11-7 record, are looking to build on their recent 119-101 win over the San Antonio Spurs, which snapped a three-game losing streak. Anthony Davis, who is probable with a left plantar issue, has been a dominant force, averaging 29.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. LeBron James continues to perform at a high level, averaging 22.9 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 9.3 assists per game.
The game is critical for both teams as they vie for position in the NBA Cup. A loss for the Thunder would eliminate them from the tournament, while the Lakers need a win to keep their hopes of defending their title alive.
The matchup is expected to be closely contested, with the Thunder’s strong defensive rating (allowing just 103.8 points per game) pitted against the Lakers’ efficient offense but struggling defense. The over/under for the game is set at 231.5 points, reflecting the potential for a high-scoring affair.
Fans can watch the game on ESPN, with tip-off scheduled for 10:00 PM ET. Online streaming options are available through fuboTV.