E Da Old Tymer

The Los Angeles Lakers (8-3) will take their show on the road tonight as they visit the defending NBA champions in the Oklahoma City Thunder (11-1).  The Lakers will have their hands full tonight and will make their superstar guard, Luka Doncic, the focal point of their offensive strategy.  Doncic has cooled off a bit as of late, but is still scorching league with his near triple-double averages of 37 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists per contest.   Austin Reaves has emerged as a strong second option, averaging an impressive 30 points and 9 assists so far this season.  Together, Doncic and Reaves form one the league’s most potent backcourts, driving the Lakers offensive engine.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are aiming for their fourth win in a row and their twelfth win in thirteen games.  Seven year veteran, Shai Gilgeou-Alexander is having another outstanding year for the Thunder, averaging 32 points per game on 51 percent efficiency.  Star forward Chet Holmgren will also look to continue his high level of play to disrupt the Lakers interior defense with his 19 point, 8 rebound a night contribution. Currently, the Thunder are showing the rest of the league why they are the defending champs and would like to send the Lakers packing with their fourth loss of the year.

Not only will the Lakers need to rely on their scoring punch, they will need to rely on making the Thunder uncomfortable with their defense.  Marcus Smart and DeAndre Ayton will be a pivotal force to disrupt and force turnovers and pushing the Thunder to take long range shots, an area where the Thunder currently struggle, hitting only 34 percent from the arch.  Keeping SGA off of the free-throw line will also be a key to victory as he boasts a remarkable 94 percent success rate from the charity stripe.  The Lakers will also look to Rui Hachimura, who is averaging 16 points and has been a key piece offensively.  If the Lakers can also get contributions from role players like Jaxson Hayes, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht, a win would be very attainable.

Despite both teams have their share of injuries, this game is set to be a must-watch event.

Tip-off for tonight’s game is at 6:30 p.m.

Lakers Projected Starting Line-up:

Luka Doncic (G)

Austin Reaves (G)

Marcus Smart (G/F)

Rui Hachimura (F)

DeAndre Ayton (C)

Thunder Projected Starting Line-Up:

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G)

Ajai Mitchell (G)

Carson Wallace (F)

Chet Holmgren (F)

Isaiah Hartenstein (C)

Lakers Projected Injury Report:

LeBron James (Out-sciatica)

Adou Thiero (Out-left knee surgery recovery)

Gabe Vincent (Out-left ankle sprain)

Thunder Projected Injury Report:

Luguentz (Lu) Dort (Questionable-shoulder)

Jalen Williams (Questionable-wrist)

Kenrich Williams (Questionable-knee)

Aaron Wiggins (Questionable-thigh)

Nikola Topic (IR-Groin)