Thunder vs Lakers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

Brace yourselves kiddos, because Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and the rest of the Oklahoma City Thunder are headed to Los Angeles to take on Kobe and the Lakers.

Despite being just a regular-season game in March, this showdown is practically bleeding story lines. Kobe and Durant are battling for the scoring title, Mike Brown is developing a fondness for benching All-Stars, and Derek Fisher is making his return to L.A.

Oh, and then there's that whole "potential Western Conference Finals preview" thing. So, let's get to it.

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

When: Thursday March 29, 10:30 PM EST

Watch: The game is on TNT, or you can watch the live steam on-line via NBA League Pass

Betting Line: Lakers -1 according to Pinnacle Sports

Key Injuries:

No significant injuries for either team

What They're Saying:

Mike Brown benched Bynum for a significant portion of Tuesday's game against Golden State because the big man launched an ill-advised three pointer. And according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles, Bynum doesn't exactly sound remorseful for the shot.

"

Bynum vowed to continue to "expand his game" by taking shots from beyond the arc.

"I guess, 'Don't take 3s' is the message, but I'm going to take another one and I'm going to take some more, so I just hope it's not the same result," Bynum said. "Hopefully I make it."

"

Yeah, good luck with that, Andrew.

Meanwhile, John Rohde of The Oklahoman noted that the Thunder have plenty of inside information heading into this game.

"

In Derek Fisher, the Thunder have the greatest Los Angeles Lakers scout in America. Fisher played point guard for the Lakers for more than 12 and-a-half seasons in his 16-year career.

"I'll be able to add some things in terms of tendencies in personnel, but these coaches are great," Fisher said. "They spend hour after hour studying guys. They probably know more than I do about the Lakers."

"

Lakers' Player to Watch: Andrew Bynum, Center

It's obviously tough not to put Kobe here, but Bynum's performance in this game, and the body language he displays throughout, will be dissected endlessly.

Does he launch another three? How does he respond the first time Brown takes him out? Does he look angry when he asks for the ball and Kobe ignores him (again)?

Everything Bynum does tonight will be placed under a microscope, especially since the game is on national television.

If he dominates down low and Los Angeles wins, then all will be well in Lakerland. But if he struggles and the Lakers lose, get ready for a hailstorm of anti-Bynum sentiment from the media.

Thunder Player to Watch: Serge Ibaka, Power Forward

Westbrook and Durant will leave their fingerprints all over this game, but Ibaka's performance will also be critical. He's leading the league in blocked shots (3.34 per game), and his insane athleticism allows his teammates to play aggressive defense without worrying about getting burned. 

He's a human eraser in the lane, and if he can keep Gasol and Bynum from getting too many easy buckets in the paint, the Thunder will have a great shot at winning.

Key Matchup: Kobe Bryant vs Himself 

As Kobe proved in the first meeting, he doesn't mind trying to outscore OKC by himself. And as his 7-for-24 outing proved, that probably isn't the best idea.

There's no denying that Kobe has a massive ego on the court, and frankly, that's perfectly fine. He's earned it. He just needs to get a better grasp of his limitations.

If he gets his teammates fully involved—specifically Bynum and Gasol—while staying aggressive, the Lakers will likely win. If he doesn't, they'll lose. It's that simple.

Prediction:

Thunder 101 Lakers 98

Oklahoma City is currently riding a four-game winning streak, and I think they'll stretch it to five tonight. Metta World Peace can't cover Durant, Westbrook is still a matchup nightmare and Ibaka can neutralize Gasol with his defense.

Kobe's guns will be blazing all night, but he won't have enough ammo to take down the Thunder. I'm taking OKC in a win that will foreshadow this year's Western Conference Finals.