Thunder vs Lakers: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
This matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers very well may be a preview of the 2012 NBA playoffs, and it undoubtedly will have the feel of a playoff game.
Both teams are preparing for a long and grueling playoff run, and both still have a lot to prove. The Lakers are trying to show the NBA that they still have what it takes to be a championship contenders, while Kevin Durant and the Thunder are trying to show the league that they're ready to take the next step and become contenders themselves.
This somewhat has the feel of the old guard giving way to the new guard in the Western Conference. But things can change real quickly with a big game from the Lakers.
There's a ton on the line in this matchup.
Where: STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, CA
When: Sunday, April 22nd at 3:30 p.m. EDT
Watch: ABC
Listen: WWLS 640 AM, 98.1 FM Oklahoma City; KSPN 710 AM Los Angeles
Betting Line: Check bovada.net closer to game day.
Key Injuries
Thunder: No new injuries to report.
Lakers: Guard Kobe Bryant, probable (shin).
Injury information via USAToday.com
What They're Saying
Besides the playoff chatter, the big talking point surrounding the Oklahoma City Thunder is their star Kevin Durant and his chances at the NBA MVP. The Miami Heat's LeBron James looks to be the favorite right now, but Durant does have a shot. Here's a good debate on the topic via ESPN.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles writes on how the Lakers are treating each of these big games against Western Conference foes as playoff games. But he believes they may not have what it takes to achieve their goal of a championship.
Most Important Player To Watch: Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant is always the player to watch whenever he is on the court, but I'm more interested in the things that go on around him in this game. He can single-handedly will the Lakers over the Thunder, but if they want to have any success in the playoffs, his teammates will have to play up to par.
I'm going to be watching Kobe not for his scoring, but to see how he plans on getting his team involved.
Key Matchup: Kobe Bryant vs. Kevin Durant
The only matchup you're going to want to watch here is Kobe versus Kevin Durant. Both can score and will score, and both are sure to put up great performances in this game.
The game itself will come down to the role players, and these to play a huge part in their production.
That being said, one or two big shots at the end of the game will probably be the difference, and these are the guys who will have the ball.
Prediction
I see the Lakers pulling off a close one at home.
Lakers 94, Thunder 91
