Game Start Time: 2PM AEDT – 8th Feb
Game Breakdown:
It would be rude of me not to return to the NBA preview series without the game being the matchup that could change history forever. The Thunder will come off back-to-back games to face the Lakers in the game where Lebron will be trying to score 35 points to tie the record of Kareem Abdul – Jabbar’s all-time scoring record and anything over 35 points will see LeBron be the all-time scoring leader in NBA history. So, 36 points will see him cement himself in history and enhance his resume for the GOAT debate against Michael Jordan.
However, knowing the way Shai Gilgeous – Alexandar has been playing this season, he will do everything in his power to make sure LeBron doesn’t achieve greatness against him. The Thunder are extremely up and down form-wise as well so after their recent loss against the Warriors I’m not so sure what to expect from them. Will not be writing them off though.
Lakers Breakdown
Although AD and LeBron are questionable to play, I believe there is a 90% chance both will play against the Thunder. The Lakers are starting to look way better than they did earlier on in the season and the acquisition of Rui Hachimura has been a nice pickup for them so far. The supporting cast of Thomas Bryant, Russell Westbrook, Lonnie Walker and Dennis Schroder is starting to come together in support of LeBron and AD which is allowing the Lakers to break down their opposition easier. I think they will have an above-average performance on the offensive end of the floor especially if LBJ rocks up with a mentality to take over and control the game.
I also think LeBron will score the 36 points he needs to overtake Kareem on the all-time scoring list as he will be at home in front of the home crowd and against a team he should be beating. AD should also have a field day in the paint against the undersized Thunder so I’m expecting a big performance from the two LA superstars. My man to watch from the bench from LA will be obviously Russell Westbrook. Say what you want about the man but he can still turn a game around. He creates offence so easily and can still take over the game when he is on. I’ll be keeping a close eye on him when he comes on against the thunder bench. Big chance to win this game.
Thunder Breakdown
Coming off the loss to the Warriors, the Thunder’s struggles were evident on the defensive end as they conceded 141 points led by an impressive 42-point game from Klay Thompson and an incredible team effort to drain 26 3’s on 52% from the perimeter. OKC head to LA to play the 2nd game of their back-to-back and I think they will be more than ready to take on the challenge of stopping LeBron James from making history against the team.
Shai only had 20 points against the Warriors which for his standard at the moment is close to unheard of. He has been insane this season as he averages 31 ppg, 5 rpg, and 6 apg on the season along with 2.8 steals and blocks combined. It is likely he will try and outplay LeBron by whatever means but he will not be able to do it alone. Josh Giddey will have to step up to help Shai along with rookie Jalen Williams who’s averaging 12ppg on the season.
Giddey and Williams are the only two above-average players who have the tools to turn this game on its head (apart from Shai). I think the Thunder will hang in there and have a few runs here and there but won’t get the win in the end. Not a write off though.
The Verdict:
Who wins? – Lakers win by 1-10
Players to watch – Shai (THUNDER), LeBron (LAKERS)
My Multi:
Lebron James – over 34.5 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists
Shai Gilgeous Alexander – 25+ points
Russell Westbrook – 4+ rebounds, 4+ assists
Josh Giddey – 4+ Rebounds, 4+ assists
Odds TBC