Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder: Match Preview and Predictions - 22nd November 2019
Match Details
Fixture: Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Date & Time: Friday, 22nd November 2019 (8:00 PM ET)
Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City, OK
Last Game Results
Los Angeles Lakers (12-2): 112-107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder (19th November)
Oklahoma City Thunder (5-9): 107-112 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers (19th November)
Los Angeles Lakers Preview
After losing their opening game of the season to the LA Clippers, the Los Angeles Lakers have regrouped to win 11 of their past 12 games. Frank Vogel's team currently possess the best defense in the NBA, and the Lakers roster is considerably stronger than at any point in the past six years.
While Avery Bradley remains out through injury, Rajon Rondo, Dwight Howard, and Kyle Kuzma are all pushing for starts - and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope has also managed to overcome his slow start to the season. So far, so good for the Lakers, and they will be confident of picking up a second win over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the span of three days.
Key Player - LeBron James
LeBron James' performance against the Thunder on Tuesday wasn't his best of the season, although the 34-year-old still managed to record another triple-double. He has taken somewhat of a backseat on the offensive end, and it is only a matter of time before James enjoys his first 40+ night of the campaign.
Lakers Predicted Lineup:
Anthony Davis, LeBron James, JaVale McGee, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green
Oklahoma City Thunder Preview
Despite losing Paul George and Russell Westbrook during the offseason, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain competitive - and have yet to suffer a blowout defeat this season. However, OKC's slim prospects of reaching the playoffs are already fading, and the development of young players remains the priority.
The young trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Terrance Ferguson, and Darius Bazley have all been given ample minutes to develop, while seasoned veterans such as Chris Paul remain in the mix. The Thunder fell to the Lakers earlier this week, although Billy Donovan's team is significantly better at home - winning five of their eight games so far this season at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Key Player - Danilo Gallinari
Danilo Gallinari may not see out the season in Oklahoma City, although the Italian is currently their go-to man on offense. Through 14 games, Gallinari is averaging 19.1 points per game on 41.3% shooting from three-point range, and a big performance against the Lakers could help his case for securing a move to a contending team ahead of the trade deadline.
Thunder Predicted Lineup:
Terrance Ferguson, Danilo Gallinari, Steven Adams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chris Paul
Lakers vs Thunder Match Prediction
The Thunder have won four of their past five home games - most recently picking up an impressive win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Nevertheless, the Lakers have not lost on the road since opening night, and Vogel's team should have enough to come away with a hard thought win.
Where to Watch Lakers vs Thunder?
There will be local coverage of the game on Fox Sports Oklahoma and Spectrum Sportsnet from 8:00 PM ET. You can also live stream the game via NBA League Pass.