Lakers vs. Thunder Round 2 series preview: X-Factors, matchups, prediction

After a four-day wait, the Oklahoma City Thunder have finally learned their Round 2 opponent in the 2026 NBA playoffs. They will face the Los Angeles Lakers . A 98-78 Game 6 win over the Houston Rockets punched their ticket to the final eight teams.

The Thunder completed a routine Round 1 sweep over the Phoenix Suns with a Game 4 win this past Monday. They were in cruise control for most of the playoff series as they outmatched the Suns in every area. Since then, they've been chilling.

Meanwhile, the Lakers avoided the unthinkable. After going up 3-0 over the Rockets, they finally delivered the knockout punch with a Game 6 win. LeBron James led his squad to the series win as they continue to be without Luka Doncic.

Before the Round 2 series starts with Game 1 from Paycom Center on Tuesday, Thunder Wire will preview things and break down matchups, X-factors and pencil in a prediction for the second-round matchup: Doncic's and Williams' status These are the biggest question marks. In a playoff run plagued by injuries everywhere, the Lakers have been without Doncic and the Thunder have been without Williams. Doncic sustained a hamstring strain on Apr.