Thunder vs. Lakers – Gm. 1 Rd. 2 NBA Playoffs – predictions: Odds, stats, trends and best bets for May 5

LeBron James and the Lakers begin Round 2 of their quest for an NBA Title tonight but standing in their way are the defending champs, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Minus Luka Dončić , LeBron and co. are heavy underdogs.

OKC dominated the league and their treatment of the Lakers was no exception. The Thunder went 4-0 this season against Los Angeles winning by a whopping 29. 3 points per game.

As if they needed more momentum and confidence, the Thunder probably got some of both in Round 1, sweeping the Suns in convincing fashion. Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander averaged 33. 8 points and 8.

0 assists in the four-game sweep, but their elite defense that was their calling card during the regular season, was the underlying storyline in Round 1. With home‑court advantage and a week of rest, the Thunder enter this game fully prepared and firmly in control of the narrative. Los Angeles arrives in Oklahoma City after grinding through a six‑game series against Houston, capped by a 98–78 win in Game 6.