by Rod Pearson
Wednesday, Apr 01, 2026
Game Time: 9:30 pm ET, Thursday, April 4, 2026
Venue: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Where to Watch: Prime Video
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Lakers +8.5, Thunder -8.5; Over/Under: 227.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Lakers +8.5, Thunder -8.5; Over/Under: 227.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Lakers +8.5, Thunder -8.5; Over/Under: 227.5 points
Season Record
Los Angeles Lakers: 50-26 (1st place, Pacific Division)
Oklahoma City Thunder: 60-16 (1st place, Northwest Division)
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Recent Form
Los Angeles Lakers: 9-1 last 10
Oklahoma City Thunder: 9-1 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Preview and Analysis
The Lakers are entering this game with a 50-26 record overall this season and they are 24-14 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 4 game winning streak with wins coming against the Indiana Pacers, the Brooklyn Nets, the Washington Wizards, and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Luka Dončić led the team in points in that game with 42 while Austin Reaves was next on the team with 19 points. Luka Dončić led the team in assists in that game with 12 while Deandre Ayton led the team in rebounds with 9. They were 54.2% from the field, 41.9% from 3-point range, and 92.3% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 116.8 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 114.7 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 43-33 this season and their O/U record is 39-37.
The Thunder are entering this game with a 60-16 record overall this season and they are 32-6 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 3 game winning streak with wins coming against the Chicago Bulls, the New York Knicks, and the Detroit Pistons. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team in points in that game with 47 while Ajay Mitchell was next on the team with 14 points. Alex Caruso led the team in assists in that game with 4 while Jaylin Williams led the team in rebounds with 13. They were 46.9% from the field, 29.4% from 3-point range, and 87.5% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 118.6 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 107.6 PPG against them. The Thunder have an ATS record of 35-41 this season and their O/U record is 38-38.
Lakers vs Thunder Prediction
The current betting odds have the Thunder listed as an 8.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Thunder have looked great in their games this season with their 60-16 record overall which has them right at the top of the West with one of the best records in the entire NBA. They have looked great on their home court too with their 32-6 home record this season. Meanwhile, the Lakers have looked really good in their games this season with their 50-26 record overall which has them right near the top of the West. They have been a great road team too with their 24-14 road record this year. The Lakers have been rolling in their games lately, surging up the standings to 3rd place in the West after a bit of a rough stretch. They are 9-1 in their last 10 games now and have a ton of momentum on their side with 4 wins in a row. They have also been beating up on some really bad opponents lately though and they are going to get a real test here on the road against the defending champions. The Thunder have not only been the best team in the NBA again this season, being the first and only team to hit 60 wins so far, but they have also been rolling in their games lately, just like the Lakers. The Thunder are also 9-1 in their last 10 games and have their own momentum with 3 wins in a row now. They have been beating some tougher teams during this stretch too with multiple wins against true contenders in the league. The Lakers have been one of the hottest teams in the NBA over the last few weeks, but they still haven't been at the elite level of the Thunder and the Thunder are going to bring their best effort at home to show the Lakers why they are still just 3rd in the West and not coming anywhere near the top 2 teams. The best way to place a bet here is on the Thunder to cover the spread in this game.
Lakers Thunder Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Thursday, April 4, 2026 (9:30 pm ET start time) is Thunder 124 Lakers 114.
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NBA Betting Trends
Los Angeles Lakers: 66-40 ATS when the total is 220 to 229.5. 20-13 ATS versus poor foul drawing teams - attempting 24 free throws/game or less. 30-22 ATS versus good shooting teams - making 46% of their shots or more. 9-5 OVER against Northwest division opponents.
Oklahoma City Thunder: 4-7 ATS after a win by 6 points or less. 21-32 ATS versus good shooting teams - making 46% of their shots or more. 5-9 1H ATS as a home favorite of 6.5 to 12 points. 22-15 OVER versus good offensive teams - scoring 116+ points/game.
Key Injuries
Los Angeles Lakers: M. Smart (PG) Day To Day - Ankle.
Oklahoma City Thunder: I. Hartenstein (C) Day To Day - Injury Management. J. Williams (SG) Day To Day - Injury Management. T. Sorber (C) Out For Season - Knee.
Notable Quotes
"Part of that is what I talked about pre-game, it's just not willing to quit on a problem that seems unsolvable. Just the resolve to win all the time, we got competitive guys in the locker room, and I've got some in the coaching staff." - J.J. Redick after his team’s win against the Cavaliers in their game on Tuesday.
“He’s done it all year and made a habit of it. I’m just amazed with his ability to labor in a game and then, snap of the fingers, he’s back in rhythm.” - Mark Daigneault on SGA after his team’s win against the Pistons in their game on Monday.
Starting Lineups
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Luka Doncic
SG Austin Reaves
SF Jake LaRavia
PF LeBron James
C Deandre Ayton
Oklahoma City Thunder
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
SG Luguentz Dort
SF Jalen Williams
PF Chet Holmgren
C Isaiah Hartenstein
Statistical Leaders
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: Luka Doncic (33.8)
APG: Luka Doncic (8.3)
Reb/G: Deandre Ayton (8.3)
Oklahoma City Thunder
PPG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31.6)
APG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (6.5)
Reb/G: Isaiah Hartenstein (9.7)
Coaches:
Los Angeles Lakers: JJ Redick (2nd season)
Oklahoma City Thunder: Mark Daigneault (6th season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
