Thunder vs. Lakers: Game 4 TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Los Angeles Lakers needed an incredible 41-of-42 team shooting effort from the free throw line and 14 fourth quarter points from Kobe Bryant (36 in all) to break through for the first time against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night in L.A. But hey, a win is a win in the playoffs.

With the series 2-1 in favor of the Thunder, the stage is now set Saturday night for the Lakers to either tie up this Western Conference semifinal series at two games apiece or head back to Oklahoma facing elimination.

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, Calif.

When: Saturday, May 19, 10:30 PM ET

Watch: TNT

Live Stream: TNT Overtime

Listen: WWLS 640 AM (Oklahoma City) and KSPN 710 AM (Los Angeles)

Betting Line: Los Angeles (-1), according to covers.com.

Thunder Key Injuries (According to ESPN)

Day-to-day: Kendrick Perkins (hip)

Lakers Key Injuries (According to ESPN)

No significant injuries.

What They're Saying

Bitter visions of Metta World Peace's assault on James Harden were brought back into focus during a second quarter skirmish over a loose ball in Friday night's Game 3. The Lakers forward and Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook were both issued technical fouls for their overzealous attempts at claiming the ball.

World Peace had the following to say about the play to Mark Medina of the Los Angeles Times after Game 3 Friday night:

"

"That's long gone, he was very passionate at that point, Westbrook. There were a lot of emotions in that game. I can't worry about that. I have to try to get the ball. I'm trying to get the ball, but he's going crazy. I lose my feet. My knee hits his chest. But I'm glad I didn't get ejected."

"

Most Important Player to Watch: James Harden

Oklahoma City's Sixth Man of the Year struggled mightily from the field Friday night, going just 4-of-13 from the floor. Harden scored 21 points, the most he has scored in the series thus far, but his production in terms of a passer has been and was limited in Game 3 against the Lakers.

Harden averaged 4.3 assists per game off the bench in OKC's first-round series against the defending champion Dallas Mavericks, but is averaging just over one per game in three games again L.A. Harden also shot 50 percent from the field against Dallas compared to just 34 percent against L.A. so far. 

If the Thunder are to return home Monday night with a commanding 3-1 series lead, they will need their sensational sixth man to step up Saturday night in Game 4.

Key Matchup: Lakers' Perimeter Defense vs. Thunder's Outside Shooters

The Oklahoma City Thunder have made a living off their lethal outside shooting. In Friday night's Game 3, L.A. held OKC to just 4-of-17 shooting from beyond the arc. Oddly enough the Thunder have attempted 17 three-pointers in each of their first three games against the Lakers, making a combined 13 in the first two matchups in Oklahoma City.

Once again on Saturday night, the Lakers' perimeter defenders will need to close out on Kevin Durant and company when they wind up with a solid look from outside. Strong closeouts will be key for L.A. in limiting OKC's offensive efficiency and tying up the series. 

Prediction

OKC has the younger legs and will outlast L.A. in a grueling back-to-back. James Harden has been slightly off his game to start this series, but his playmaking ability off the bench will lead the Thunder within a game of the Western Conference finals.

Thunder 98, Lakers 92

Follow Patrick Clarke on Twitter for more on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.