Los Angeles Lakers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Prediction for Thursday May 7 2026
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The Los Angeles Lakers and Oklahoma City Thunder continue their Western Conference semifinal series on Thursday night at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET with coverage available on Prime Video. Oklahoma City enters Game 2 holding a 1-0 series lead after a convincing victory in the opener. The Thunder are listed as 15.5-point favorites, while the total for the matchup sits at 209.5 points. Oklahoma City is also heavily favored on the moneyline at -1100, while Los Angeles enters at +700. Be ready for all the NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Previous Game Recap
Game 1 of the series belonged to Oklahoma City from early in the contest, as the Thunder secured a 108-90 victory at home. Oklahoma City built a five-point lead after the opening quarter and continued extending the margin throughout the night. The Thunder controlled the pace offensively while also limiting Los Angeles in the second half, where the Lakers scored only 37 combined points across the final two quarters.
The Lakers were led offensively by LeBron James, who finished with 27 points while shooting efficiently from the field and adding six assists. Rui Hachimura also provided strong scoring support with 18 points and three made three-pointers. Deandre Ayton added a double-double performance with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while Marcus Smart contributed 12 points and seven assists. Austin Reaves struggled from the field in the loss but still added six assists and five rebounds.
Oklahoma City received balanced production across the lineup in the victory. Chet Holmgren finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocked shots while shooting efficiently throughout the game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 18 points and six assists, while Ajay Mitchell also scored 18 points. Isaiah Hartenstein contributed nine rebounds and four assists, and the Thunder bench provided important support with Jared McCain scoring 12 points and Isaiah Joe adding nine points. 
Lakers Looking for a Better Offensive Response
The Lakers enter Game 2 with a 53-29 overall record and a 25-16 mark on the road this season. Los Angeles recently lost to Oklahoma City 108-90 in Game 1 after previously splitting its last four playoff meetings with Houston. The Lakers recently won over Houston 98-78 and 112-108 in overtime, but they also recently lost to the Rockets by scores of 115-96 and 99-93 before beginning this series against the Thunder.
Los Angeles averaged 116.3 points per game during the season while allowing 100.0 points against per contest. The Lakers shot 50 percent from the field overall while averaging 41.0 rebounds and 25.9 assists per game. Defensively, Los Angeles also produced 8.5 steals and 4.3 blocks per contest.
One concern for the Lakers entering Game 2 is the absence of Luka Doncic, who is listed as out with a hamstring injury until May 9. Los Angeles struggled offensively without him in the opener, finishing with only 90 points despite solid performances from several starters. The Lakers will likely need improved perimeter shooting after going just 10-for-30 from three-point range in Game 1 if they hope to even the series.
Thunder Continue to Dominate at Home
Oklahoma City enters this matchup with a 64-18 overall record and a dominant 34-7 home record this season. The Thunder recently won over the Lakers 108-90 in Game 1 and have now won five consecutive games overall. Prior to this series, Oklahoma City recently won over Phoenix four straight times by scores of 131-122, 121-109, 120-107, and 119-84.
The Thunder averaged 119.0 points per game this season while allowing 102.4 points against. Oklahoma City also averaged 44.1 rebounds and 25.8 assists per game while producing 9.7 steals and 5.5 blocks per contest. Defensively, the Thunder continued that strong activity in Game 1 with seven blocks and strong second-half defense against Los Angeles.
One major strength for Oklahoma City has been its balance on both ends of the floor. The Thunder had multiple players contribute offensively in Game 1 while also holding Los Angeles below 100 points. Oklahoma City also enters this matchup with confidence at home, where it has posted one of the strongest records in the league this season.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Prediction
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Bruce Marshall | +9,181.00 |
| 2 |  Sean Higgs | +4,349.00 |
| 3 |  Bryan Power | +3,755.00 |
| 4 |  Pro Sports Picks | +3,426.00 |
| 5 |  Steve Seagrave | +3,226.00 |
Spread Pick:
- Oklahoma City Thunder -15.5
Oklahoma City controlled nearly every aspect of Game 1 and enters this matchup riding a five-game winning streak. The Thunder also hold significant advantages in overall record and home performance while continuing to play strong defense. Los Angeles struggled offensively in the opener without Luka Doncic available, and Oklahoma City’s depth and defensive activity helped create separation throughout the game. With the Thunder already showing they can dictate tempo in this series, Oklahoma City remains the stronger side against the spread.
Total Pick:
- Under 209.5
Game 1 finished with only 198 total points, and Los Angeles struggled to consistently generate offense throughout the second half. The Lakers scored only 90 points in the opener, while Oklahoma City’s defense continued to force difficult possessions. Los Angeles also allowed just 100.0 points per game during the season, showing this matchup still carries a defensive profile despite Oklahoma City’s scoring ability. If the pace remains similar to the first meeting, the under looks like the stronger play once again.
Final Score Prediction: Oklahoma City Thunder 111 – Los Angeles Lakers 94
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