Thunder vs Lakers: NBA Playoff second-round preview

Oklahoma City will host the Los Angeles Lakers in the conference semi-finals after sweeping the Suns in straight sets. L.A. keep grinding on without Luka Dončić, helped by a strong LeBron James and the return of Austin Reaves. Analysis, player to watch and prediction from mathodds.

How they arrive heading into the playoffs

The Thunder’s first round was little more than a formality. A clean 4-0 sweep was handed to a Suns side that was second best in almost every area. The group is ticking nicely, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is embracing his role as the leader with excellent numbers through the first four games: 33.8 points, 8.0 assists and 3.8 rebounds on 55% shooting. Very solid stuff, and it points to a big run for him — and a long one for his opponents. Alongside him, Chet Holmgren has put together a very tidy series at 17 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks a night.

Jalen Williams seems to have picked up an injury on that third-quarter play…

He did not return after that.

Let’s hope it is nothing serious for SGA’s lieutenant, who has had one issue after another this season 🤞pic.twitter.com/pO7K9URpg5

— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) April 23, 2026

The only major red flag for the Thunder is the fresh hamstring injury to Jalen Williams. The OKC guard has had no shortage of health issues this year, with wrist and left leg problems costing him nearly 40 regular-season games. For now, he will miss the start of the second round for sure, and the Thunder medical staff have not put a return date on it. They will be taking every possible precaution with J-Dub. And in his absence this season, the team has still managed just fine.

The Lakers also handled their first round well, finishing with 4 wins and 2 losses. JJ Redick’s men controlled the Rockets, who lacked offensive creation without Kevin Durant. Even with KD missing games, those defeats were not just down to that. The Lakers were the better team. The man standing out most at 41 and still making fools of expectations is LeBron James, who averaged 23 points, 8 assists and 7 rebounds in the series.

LeBron James 28 Points, 8 Assists, 7 Rebs full highlight vs Rockets | 25-26 Playoffs G6 pic.twitter.com/kK4HyT1qQA

— Hoops Showtime (@HoopsShowtime12) May 2, 2026

Behind him, the rest of the group has filled the Dončić void with strong showings from Luke Kennard, who put up 27 and 23 points in Games 1 and 2, and DeAndre Ayton, who posted 19 points and 11 rebounds, then 18 points and 17 rebounds in Games 1 and 5. Just like the Thunder with Jalen Williams, L.A. will have to do without the Slovenian at the start of this second round, with no return date currently in sight. Still, a few clips of Luka shooting at the Lakers shootaround on May 4 gave fans a bit of breathing space and some hope that a return around Games 4-5 might be possible.

Player to watch for the Thunder: Luguentz Dort

Offensively, the Thunder do not need much from Dort beyond a decent three-point clip and keeping turnovers down. On the other end, though, that is where Lu “The Beast” really earns his keep, whatever some may say… He should be hugely important in this series, likely taking on a special defensive assignment against LeBron James. Known, and often criticised, for his edge on defence, Dort has made intensity part of his DNA. Like a pest, he gets into opponents’ heads, then uses his mobility and frame to get the upper hand. And yes, Lu Dort loves guarding LeBron…

Lu Dort caught LeBron on the top of the head 😅 pic.twitter.com/x23ENk3s4O

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 5, 2024

Player to watch for the Lakers: Austin Reaves

Back from injury for Game 5 of the Rockets series, Reaves had a pretty rough first round. He averaged 18.5 points, 4.0 assists and 3.5 rebounds, but his shooting numbers were well below his usual standards (36% FG, 16% from three).

It should be remembered that he is coming off a serious oblique injury that kept him out for four weeks. He will need time to get back to full speed, but time is not exactly on his side. Against the Thunder, one mistake can cost you dearly. If the Lakers want to get past OKC, they need Reaves firing again, the same guy who was lighting it up earlier in the season.

mathodds prediction

Oklahoma City Thunder in 7 games (4-3)

3 – +200 – 2/1 key factors:

• Can LeBron hold up physically against the defensive pressure coming his way?

• Who steps up alongside Shai to cover for Jalen Williams’ scoring? Chet, Mitchell, Hartenstein?

• Is a Dončić return realistic? And if it is, can he make it back before the Lakers are bounced?

Oklahoma City are clear favourites for this second round against a Lakers side still carrying injuries. That said, L.A. have the edge in experience and if the LeBron-Reaves duo explodes in these semi-finals, OKC could find life very awkward without Williams.

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