Lakers vs. Thunder: Game 5 TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

Kevin Durant's game-deciding three-pointer in Game 4 may be this postseason's most defining moment yet—but it was Russell Westbrook's 10-point fourth quarter that made such a shot even thinkable. With the Los Angeles Lakers seemingly on their way to a second consecutive victory, the Oklahoma City Thunder rode a 22-8 fourth-quarter run to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.

Westbrook and Durant will follow up their combined 68-point masterpiece in Oklahoma City, with a chance to cut short Kobe Bryant's hopes for a sixth title.

It's beginning to look more and more like the Thunder have replaced the Lakers as the Western Conference's other team to beat, joining the streaking San Antonio Spurs. Still, if there's any team that can stay alive when the odds aren't in their favor, it's the team with Kobe Bryant on it.

Bryant has had an up-and-down series, depending in large part on how many times he gets to the free-throw line. But, he'll need a nearly flawless performance and plenty of support from his big men if he's to stay alive against the seemingly unstoppable duo of Durant and Westbrook.

Where: Chesapeake Energy Arena, Oklahoma City

When: Wednesday, May 21 at 9:30 p.m. ET

Watch: TNT

Live Stream: None

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

Betting Line: Oklahoma City Thunder (-8), according to Top Bet

Lakers' Key Injuries (via Yahoo! Sports)

None.

Thunder's Key Injuries (via Yahoo! Sports)

Out: Eric Maynor (torn ACL)

What They're Saying

Bryant may be missing more than his fair share of fourth-quarter shots, but the Lakers locker room is putting the blame for Game 4's loss squarely on the shoulders of Los Angeles' two star 7-footers. Pau Gasol's errant pass in the final minute has drawn plenty of attention, but according to USA Today's David Leon Moore, the problems went beyond a lone play:  

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Lakers coach Mike Brown had some criticism of his own of Bynum and Gasol, both of whom shrank in the second half. Bynum had 18 points and nine rebounds for the game but only four points and two rebounds in the second half. Gasol had 10 points and five rebounds for the game, also just four points and two rebounds in the second half.

"I think our bigs had two rebounds each in the second half," Brown said, and he was correct.

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Brown wasn't the only one faulting Gasol's effort and decision-making. Bryant had a similar take on events (via Yahoo! Sports' Johnny Ludden):

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"Pau's got to be more assertive," Bryant said. "He's the guy they're leaving [open]. When he's catching the ball, he's looking to pass. He's got to be aggressive. He's got to shoot the ball or drive the ball to the basket. He will be next game."

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The Thunder are undoubtedly relishing in the finger-pointing that's apparently come to typify Los Angeles' locker room atmosphere, but they should also be prepared for the fallout. Chances are that Bryant is exactly right—Gasol almost certainly will be more aggressive in Game 5.

Despite pretty efficient production, Gasol hasn't scored more than 14 points in a game yet this series. Nor has he taken more than 11 field-goal attempts in any of those contests. If he comes into Game 5 with a renewed sense of urgency, the Thunder may have their hands full inside the paint.

Most Important Player to Watch: James Harden

After finishing the Dallas Mavericks off with a 29-point masterpiece, James Harden has had a comparatively quiet series against the Lakers. He hasn't topped 38 percent shooting in his last four games and was just 2-of-11 in Game 4.

The Sixth Man of the Year has still found ways to contribute, but over half of his points have come from the free-throw line in this series. On the one hand, the Lakers should be encouraged to have limited Harden's perimeter game. On the other hand, if Harden has a breakthrough game—and he's probably due for just that—Los Angeles might not have an answer, especially on the road.

It goes without saying the Thunder have found ways to compensate for Harden's icy touch, but there's no guarantee Oklahoma City will get another 37-point outburst out of Russell Westbrook.

The more important task for Harden may be defending Bryant. Starting guard Thabo Sefolosha is the better defensive matchup against Bryant, but Harden's scoring ability is tough for the Thunder to live without. Keeping a hand in Bryant's face is easier said than done, but it may be the most important thing Harden does in these playoffs.

Key Matchup: Kobe Bryant vs. Kevin Durant

While Sefolosha and Harden will continue to guard Bryant for most of Game 5, we saw a new defensive dynamic emerge in the fourth quarter of Game 4. With there being no secret who the Lakers go to late in games still on the line, Scott Brooks put Durant on Bryant at the end of the game.

Durant's energy on the offensive end is too vital for him to take Kobe on as a full-time assignment, but his length can certainly bother the Lakers' legend in spots. Bryant admitted as much after the game (via the Los Angeles Times' Ben Bolch):

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“The shots that I took were tough shots,” Bryant said. “I was forced to take tough shots and they didn’t fall for me tonight. Either I have to free myself up to get better looks in the fourth quarter, or other guys have to be more aggressive. It’s one or the other.”

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Of course, the even more intriguing subplot will be which of these two elite scorers can close the game out in its most critical moments. Durant's three-point dagger in the closing seconds of Game 4 was a fitting conclusion after the three-time scoring champ similarly decided Game 2 with an unlikely floater.

While Bryant scored a combined 74 points in Games 3 and 4, he scored 32 of those points at the free-throw line, thanks in large part to a few calls he's unlikely to get in Oklahoma City. Kobe scored just 20 points in each of the series' two games on the Thunder's home turf.

Even his more dominant performances were inefficient ones at best and downright ugly in the final moments. Bryant made fewer that 40 percent of his shots in Games 1 through 3, while Durant hasn't made fewer than 50 percent of his field-goal attempts yet in this series. If that trend continues, the Thunder could send Mike Brown's club home for good.

Game 5 Prediction: Thunder 106, Lakers 96