Free NBA Picks and Odds: Oklahoma City Thunder @ LA Lakers Expert Predictions – NBA Betting Preview 4/10/11: The Oklahoma City Thunder will get another crack at beating the Lakers tonight on primetime television. A team with so much skill and speed has had unprecedented difficulties with the L.A. Lakers over the past few seasons. With the third and second seed in the western conference in reach, the Oklahoma City Thunder have every intention to play out their remaining games hard. They trail the Mavericks by a game and the Lakers by 2, moving up the west ranks would warrant them a more favorable first round match up. Winners of three straight, the Thunder are moving the ball well and their interior defensive game is finally rounding into shape. This club was always grounded by their inability to limit teams’ inside the paint, a facet of the game that is essential for championship aspirations. But with this area of the game finally being realized, the Thunder are proving that they are a legitimate power in the western ranks. Kendrick Perkins and Serge Ibaka have been the catalysts behind the new defensive force, the two have paired to become one of the most savvy defensive tandems in the game. Kevin Durant and Russel Westbrook will surely be the individuals responsible for taking this club on the shoulders throughout the playoff run, but without the tandem of Perkins and Ibaka there is no reason for hope with this club.
The L.A. Lakers are in danger of losing their grasp on the second seed in the western conference ranks. They are currently tangled in a four game losing streak, which has some analysts believing they do not posses the depth that they have in years past. Kobe Bryant is definitely does not deserve the finger in this case, the savvy veterans play has not diminished during the recent futile. Rather, the second string support has just not been there as of late which has resulted in Phil Jackson leaning on his starters for more minutes then they can handle. Lamar Odom has been publicly ridiculed for his questionable approach to defense. At points it seems like he is dazed and confused, and others, brilliant. Pau Gasol, Odom’s predecessor, has been no rock either. The Spanish sensation has been limited by a nagging knee sprain and he no longer posses the ability to crash the boards. The Lakers time and time again always find ways to get out of jams, but until they can get second line support and consistent play from their entire rotation they will continue to falter.
Tonight at the Staples Center we will recommend a play on the Thunder. Oklahoma City has looked sensational as of late and there is no question they covet a higher rank before the season ends. A win in L.A. would pull the Thunder to within one game of the Lakers with 1 week of games remaining. The Lakers are in a rut and I do not believe they are ready to pull out just yet. They have lost to 3 sub-par teams in their last three and they are showing little inspiration in their play. Gasol and Fisher are being limited by stubborn injuries and there bench is just not producing. Oklahoma City is 6-2 SU in its last 8 games on the road and is 14-3 SU in its last 17 games. We will consider the Thunder earning the upset bid tonight and pull even closer to their coveted rank. Cheers!
Thunder-Lakers Free Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder +5.5
Oklahoma City (53-26) at L.A. Lakers (55-24)
Time: 9:05 PM EST
Vegas Odds – Favorite: LA Lakers -5.5 Total: Over/Under 192
Get the latest NBA odds daily on NSAwins.com
| 3 EASY STEPS to BET on the Thunder-Lakers Tonight! STEP 1: CLICK HERE to OPEN BetUS Account STEP 2: In the Referall Section choose “Website” and type in “NSAWINS.COM” in details field. STEP 3: Deposit with Credit Card and get a 55% BONUS instantly or Deposit by Check and get a 55% BONUS instantly plus an EXTRA 45% BONUS by emailing your account # to [email protected] with “BetUS 100% BONUS” in the subject line. |