The Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder (40-13) head to Los Angeles to face the Lakers (32-19) in a high-profile matchup pitting OKC’s elite defense (holding opponents to 106.2 PPG, 2nd in NBA) against LA’s star-powered offense. The Thunder aim to snap a two-game skid without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, while the Lakers look to extend their three-game win streak but may be without Luka Doncic. This game could preview playoff intensity, with both teams vying for top seeding.
Venue and Time
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
- Time: 10:00 PM ET (7:00 PM PST)
- TV: Peacock
Recent Team Forms
The Thunder have cooled off with a 6-4 record in their last 10, averaging 115.2 PPG while allowing 109.8 (net +5.4), but they’ve dropped two straight without key guards. The Lakers are heating up at 7-3 in their last 10, scoring 117.6 PPG and holding foes to 110.4 (net +7.2), riding a three-game win streak with strong home play.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Key Results |
| Thunder | L vs HOU (106-112), L @ SAS (106-116), W vs ORL (128-92), W @ DEN (121-111), W vs NOP (104-95) | Defensive lapses in losses (116+ allowed); Holmgren averaging 18.4 PPG, 9.6 RPG in streak |
| Lakers | W vs GSW (105-99), W vs PHI (119-115), W @ BKN (125-109), L @ NYK (100-112), W @ PHI (earlier, pattern) | Balanced attack in wins (117+ scored); Reaves exploding for 35 vs PHI |
Injury Report
- Thunder:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (G): Out (abdominal strain)—re-evaluated post-All-Star break
- Jalen Williams (G): Out (right hamstring strain)
- Ajay Mitchell (G): Out (abdomen)
- Nikola Topic (G): Out (knee)
- Kenrich Williams (F): Out (knee)
- Lakers:
- Luka Doncic (G): Out (left hamstring strain)
- LeBron James (F): Questionable (groin)
- Bronny James (G): Questionable (illness)
- Gabe Vincent (G): Out (ankle)
- Adou Thiero (F): Out (knee)
Key Player Matchups
Injuries disrupt typical stars, shifting focus to secondary options. OKC’s depth tests LA’s home resilience.
- Cason Wallace (OKC) vs. Austin Reaves (LAL): With SGA out, Wallace (15.2 PPG, 2.1 SPG) leads the charge
Reaves (26.1 PPG, 51.1% FG) exploits mismatches sans Doncic
- Chet Holmgren (OKC) vs. Deandre Ayton (LAL): Holmgren (17.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.0 BPG) dominates paint
Ayton (13.4 PPG, 8.4 RPG) counters with physicality
- Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC) vs. Rui Hachimura (LAL): Hartenstein (10.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG) rebounds strong
Hachimura (14.2 PPG) stretches floor
- Other Notables: If LeBron plays (21.8 PPG, 6.8 APG), vs. Aaron Wiggins (OKC); Isaiah Joe (OKC, 3.1 3PM) vs. Marcus Smart (LAL, defensive anchor)
Expected Lineups (subject to injuries):
- Thunder: Mitchell (PG, if available), Joe (SG), Wallace (SF), Holmgren (PF), Hartenstein (C)
- Lakers: Reaves (PG), James (SG, if plays), Hachimura (SF), Vanderbilt (PF), Ayton (C)
Series History
The Lakers lead the all-time series 157-114 over 271 regular-season games. OKC has won 2 of the last 3, including a 121-92 rout on November 12, 2025. Recent matchups trend over (6-4 O/U in last 10), with Lakers 6-4 ATS vs. Thunder
Betting Trends
- Thunder Trends: 32-21 ATS overall; 23-11 ATS when scoring >115.8; 6-4 ATS in last 10; 3-2 straight up without SGA
- Lakers Trends: 27-24 ATS; 14-8 ATS at home; 7-3 ATS in last 10; 3-0 straight up in recent home streak
Game Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder – 6.5
Los Angeles Lakers 223.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, February 8, 2026
