Published Feb 8, 5:48pm ET by
James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Feb 8, 5:48pm ET
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Updated Feb 8, 5:48pm ET
One of the games on Monday's NBA slate features the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder. Who has the edge in our Lakers vs Thunder pick?
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| Los Angles Lakers | +144 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | -150 |
After dropping a 112-100 decision to the Knicks, Los Angeles has responded with three straight wins, including a 105-99 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night.
ALSO SEE: Raptors vs Pacers| Odds and NBA Pick (Feb 8)
The Lakers trailed 42-41 at intermission before a 38-29 scoring edge provided them with an eight-point cushion entering the fourth quarter. Although the Warriors kept it close in the final frame, Los Angeles won its third straight despite the absence of Luka Doncic, who is nursing a hamstring injury.
Six players tallied double-digit scoring totals for the Lakers. LeBron James led the way with 20 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds. Rui Hachimura added 18 points, connecting on four of his five attempts from deep.
The defending champs have dropped their last two games following back-to-back wins over Denver and Orlando. This stretch includes a 112-106 setback against the Houston Rockets.
OKC watched a 14-point lead shrink to six heading into the break. Houston came out strong in the second half with a 34-22 surge in the third quarter to pull ahead 80-74. And with the road team leading 105-101, Kevin Durant knocked down a short jumper to push Houston's lead back to six with a minute left to play.
Cason Wallace scored a team-high 23 points, along with four rebounds and four assists. Chet Holmgren added 17 points and 14 rebounds.
Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.
OKC is 13-1 in its last 14 outings against Pacific Division opponents. But with several key players dealing with injuries — including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams — Los Angeles has more than an outside shot at pulling off the upset in this Western Conference matchup.
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Pick
Los Angeles +144
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