The Los Angeles Lakers aren't quite full against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Los Angeles Lakers will look to keep their win streak going against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.
The Lakers are coming off a 127-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, their fourth straight victory. They have won 13 of their last 14 games. At 50-26, they sit third in the Western Conference. They lead the Denver Nuggets by 1.5 games and have established a three game lead over the Houston Rockets, who are fifth.
The Oklahoma City are on a three game win streak, taking down the Detroit Pistons, 114-110, in overtime in their last game. They have won 15 of their last 16. They are at the top of the NBA standings with a 60-16 record, but have only a two game lead over the San Antonio Spurs.
This is the third meeting of the season between the two teams. The Thunder are 2-0 in the season series, scoring a 119-110 victory on February 9 and a 121-92 victory on November 12.
Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report
Veteran guard and former Laker Alex Caruso is QUESTIONABLE with an illness. He played 27 minutes against the Pistons. He has not missed a game since March 9. In 53 games this season, Caruso is averaging 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, two assists, and 1.3 blocks. He's struggled from three this year, shooting just 28% from beyond the arc.
Thomas Sorber is OUT after undergoing season-ending ACL surgery in the offseason.
The Thunder are expected to start reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. OKC deploys a number of players off the bench, but fans can expect Ajay Mitchell, Jaylin Williams, Cason Wallace to get the majority of time with Jared McCain, Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Kenrich Williams also getting minutes.
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report
Marcus Smart remains OUT with a right ankle contusion. He's been sidelined since March 21 and was originally listed as day-to-day, but there has been no fruther update on his potential return.
In his first season with the Lakers, the 11-year veteran is averaging 9.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.4 steals. He's shooting 33% from three.
Kobe Bufkin, Dalton Knecht, and Adou Thiero are OUT on G-League assignment.
The Lakers are likely to start Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jake LaRavia, and Deandre Ayton.
Luke Kennard, Rui Hachimura, and Jaxson Hayes will get the majority of minutes off the bench.