Last updated: April 7, 2026, 7:48 p.m. CT
The Oklahoma City Thunder will play the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday at 9:30 p.m. CT, but will miss Jalen Williams for this away match.
Williams is unavailable as he manages a right hamstring injury. This All-NBA forward recently came back on March 23 after a right hamstring strain kept him off the court for 16 games. Earlier in the season, he also missed 10 consecutive games due to the same issue.
With a 62-16 record, OKC aims to maintain its recent impressive performance. The Thunder secured a comfortable 146-111 home win against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, which was their 17th victory in the past 18 contests.
In contrast, Los Angeles (50-28) suffered a 134-128 road defeat against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. The Lakers will additionally be missing Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain), Austin Reaves (left oblique muscle strain), and Marcus Smart (right ankle contusion).
Below is a comprehensive guide to Tuesday’s matchup featuring the Thunder and Lakers:
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Which channel is broadcasting the OKC Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers game tonight?
- TV: FanDuel Sports Network
- Online Streaming: Fubo (complimentary trial)
Thunder vs Lakers game predictions and expert picks
Justin Martinez’s Forecast: OKC 119, Los Angeles 94
This encounter presents a significant challenge for Los Angeles, a fact underscored by their massive 43-point defeat to OKC last Thursday. The Lakers struggled with ball control and found it difficult to dictate the game’s tempo against the Thunder’s defense, which specializes in forcing turnovers. Furthermore, they lacked sufficient defensive options for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, particularly with Marcus Smart out. For Tuesday’s rematch, Los Angeles will also be missing Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. Even if Jalen Williams is absent for OKC, they are still expected to win.
Thunder vs Lakers odds for betting
Betting lines sourced from BetMGM, current as of Monday, April 6
- Odds: Thunder by 15.5
- Over/under: 222.5
- Moneyline: OKC -1600 | Los Angeles +850
Latest injury reports for Thunder vs Lakers
- Thunder: Thomas Sorber is sidelined (recovering from right ACL surgery). Jalen Williams is also out (managing a right hamstring injury).
- Lakers: Luka Doncic is unavailable (left hamstring strain). LeBron James’ status is questionable (left foot injury management). Austin Reaves is out (left oblique muscle strain), and Marcus Smart is sidelined (right ankle contusion).
Anticipated starting lineup for the OKC Thunder
Anticipated starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers
Justin Martinez reports on the Thunder and the NBA for The Oklahoman. If you have a story suggestion for Justin, he can be contacted at [email protected] or via X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Subscribe to the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter for additional NBA news. You can support Justin’s contributions and those of other Oklahoman journalists by acquiring a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.