Sports analysts predict Thunder beat Lakers in NBA playoff series

10 articles · Updated · The Arizona Republic · May 2

The Western Conference second-round matchup starts on 5 May, with top-seeded Oklahoma City listed at -2000 by BetMGM and fourth-seeded Los Angeles at +950.
Most cited predictions back the Thunder in five games, though some foresee a sweep or a six-game series, pointing to Oklahoma City's depth and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's form.
Commentary also notes injury uncertainty around Luka Doncic and Jalen Williams, while series-outcome odds heavily favour Oklahoma City reaching the Western Conference finals.

Will the heavily favored Thunder deliver a swift sweep, or is overconfidence their true opponent?

Can the Lakers' bench overcome devastating injuries to challenge the NBA's best defense?