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Thunder Eye 3-0 Cushion in Los Angeles as Jalen Williams and Luka Dončić Remain Out

A loss would push the Lakers into a 0-3 hole no NBA team has ever escaped.

Overview

  • Game 3 at Crypto.com Arena, which tips Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, moves the series to Los Angeles with Oklahoma City up 2-0.
  • The NBA injury report lists Thunder guard Jalen Williams out with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, and the Lakers still do not have Luka Dončić as he recovers from a Grade 2 hamstring strain.
  • Oklahoma City is 6-0 this postseason and won Game 2 by 125-107 behind balanced scoring from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and rookie Ajay Mitchell.
  • Analysts say the Lakers must win the minutes when Gilgeous-Alexander sits, as the Thunder have built big edges with their bench and role players during those stretches.
  • Sportsbooks list the Thunder as favorites for Saturday’s matchup at roughly -8.5 with a total near 210.5 points, reflecting OKC’s form and depth.