Thunder vs Lakers Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 4/8/2025

The Paycom Center is bracing for what promises to be an explosive rematch between Western Conference powerhouses after the Lakers' shocking 126-99 dismantling of the Thunder just two days ago.

While Los Angeles caught fire with an unsustainable 55% shooting from beyond the arc in their previous meeting, tonight's contest could hinge on whether Shai Gilgeous-Alexander can rediscover his way to the free-throw line and reassert his MVP candidacy against LeBron James and red-hot Luka Doncic.

With Oklahoma City sporting a dominant 34-6 home record and the Lakers finding chemistry with their new-look roster, all eyes will be on whether the Oklahoma City Thunder can protect home court against a dangerous Los Angeles Lakers squad that suddenly looks capable of playoff damage.

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Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers preview

The Lakers and Thunder square off again at Paycom Center Tuesday night, just two days after LA shocked Oklahoma City with a dominant 126-99 road victory where they couldn't miss from downtown.

Sunday's beatdown saw the Lakers drill an incredible 22 three-pointers at a 55% clip, with Luka Doncic dropping 30 points while the normally free-throw-hunting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander oddly didn't attempt a single free throw despite averaging nearly 33 points this season.

Don't expect lightning to strike twice though — the Thunder boast the NBA's best home record at 34-6 and have covered the spread in over 65% of their games this year.

OKC's elite defense (ranked 1st in efficiency) completely collapsed last game, but with Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren supporting SGA, they'll be absolutely desperate to avoid back-to-back embarrassments on their home floor.

For the Lakers, their new Big 3 of LeBron, Luka, and Austin Reaves (who's maintained his 20+ PPG production despite Doncic's arrival) will try to prove Sunday wasn't a fluke.

The Thunder, still battling for playoff positioning and with SGA making his MVP case against Jokić, simply can't afford another letdown in front of their home crowd.

Vegas has installed OKC as heavy favorites (between -8.5 and -13.5 depending on the book), suggesting oddsmakers view Sunday's result as an aberration.

This potential playoff preview has all the makings of a statement game for both squads — LA trying to prove they're legitimate contenders with their new roster, while Oklahoma City aims to demonstrate they're still the Western Conference powerhouse their 64-14 record suggests.