The Oklahoma City Thunder (64-18, Western Conference leaders) are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers (53-29, fourth in the West) on Monday at 10:30 p.m. EDT in Los Angeles. The Thunder hold a commanding 3-0 lead in the Western Conference second-round series and look to finish the sweep in Game 4.
In their most recent matchup on Sunday, Oklahoma City dominated with a 131-108 victory. Ajay Mitchell led the Thunder with 24 points, while Rui Hachimura paced the Lakers with 21.
The Lakers have a 33-19 record against Western Conference opponents and are 8-3 in games decided by three points or fewer. The Thunder, meanwhile, are 41-11 in Western Conference play. Oklahoma City ranks third in the conference in scoring, averaging 119.0 points per game while shooting 48.4% from the field.
Los Angeles averages 11.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, which is 2.5 fewer than the Thunder allow (14.3). The Thunder shoot 48.4% from the field, marginally higher than the 48.3% that Lakers opponents have shot this season.
LeBron James continues to be a key performer for the Lakers, shooting 51.5% and averaging 20.9 points. Hachimura has averaged 3.2 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games. For the Thunder, Chet Holmgren is averaging 17.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game, while Luguentz Dort has averaged 1.8 made triples over the last 10 contests.
Over the last 10 games, the Lakers are 5-5, averaging 104.3 points, 40.6 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 7.8 steals, and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have posted an average of 106.3 points per game. The Thunder, conversely, are 8-2 in that span, averaging 119.3 points, 42.1 rebounds, 27.5 assists, 9.9 steals, and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 49.8% from the floor. Their opponents have averaged 109.9 points.
Injury notes: For the Lakers, Luka Doncic is out with a hamstring issue. The Thunder are without Jalen Williams (hamstring) and Thomas Sorber (knee, out for the season).