The Thunder enters its contest against the Lakers on a two-game losing streak. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell remain sidelined, but Jalen Williams is set to return after missing the past 10 games. Luka Dončić is also out due to a hamstring injury. 

Here are three key matchups for this potential playoff preview. 

Reaves will be Los Angeles’ primary ball handler and scorer in this matchup. It’s not an unfamiliar role for the veteran, as he has played 416 minutes this season without Dončić on the court. That's about half of his total minutes. 

He also handles these stretches brilliantly. During his minutes sans Dončić, Reaves has averaged 35.7 points and 7.9 assists per 75 possessions on 68.9% true shooting. For context, Gilgeous-Alexander is producing 34.5 points and 6.9 assists per 75 possessions on 67% true shooting this season. 

Now, Reaves’ overall impact beyond the box score does not match Gilgeous-Alexander’s value, but he is more than capable of leading the Lakers’ offense to consistently fruitful possessions. 

Cason Wallace and Luguentz Dort’s perimeter defense will be crucial for the Thunder. If they can limit Reaves’ scoring while keeping him away from the charity stripe, then it places an immense amount of pressure on the Lakers’ role players to create and make shots. This is a recipe for a Thunder win. 

The Thunder’s defense surrenders the highest corner three-point attempt rate (13.2%) in the league according to NBA.com, while the Lakers’ defense allows the fifth-highest rate (11.8%). Which offense can capitalize on these desirable shots? 

Rui Hachimura narrowly leads Los Angeles in corner attempts per game and knocks them down at a 42.7% clip. It would be wise for Oklahoma City to closeout hard on Hachimura and instead give these shots to Jake LaRavia or Jarred Vanderbilt. 

Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Cason Wallace excel from the corners, while Dort and Alex Caruso struggle mightily to connect. Look for the Lakers to try to funnel shots to Dort all game because it’s the best outcome for Los Angeles’ defense. 

Although James is still an offensive threat, the 41-year-old classifies as a glaring liability on the defensive end. He does not have the energy to consistently hustle and be active, which is understandable given his age and mileage. Oklahoma City should exploit this weakness by having James’ man relentlessly move off the ball. Cutters, in particular, are ideally positioned to catch James lacking.