Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Game 2 Preview, Picks & Odds for Thursday, May 7, 2026

By Braxton Reynolds | May 06, 2026, 7:58pm

Game 2 between the Los Angeles Lakers (0-1) and Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0) begins at 9:30 p.m. Eastern on Amazon Prime. Luka Dončić and Jalen Williams remain sidelined, while Jarred Vanderbilt is questionable to play after sustaining a gruesome dislocated pinky on his non-shooting hand. The injury occurred when he attempted to block a shot and jammed his finger into the backboard.

Lakers vs. Thunder Betting Analysis

LeBron James racked up 27 points, four rebounds, and six assists on 12-of-17 shooting from the field. The 41-year-old was in control, and this should continue because Oklahoma City does not possess a great defensive option to throw at him with Jalen Williams injured. The Thunder’s other defenders are either not strong enough or too slow. Los Angeles only lost James’ 36 minutes by six points, which is encouraging.

Rui Hachimura also chipped in 18 points and was often able to shoot over Oklahoma City’s defenders. The Deandre Ayton minutes were surprisingly solid, too.

However, Austin Reaves went 3-for-16 from the field and committed four turnovers. It’s a very difficult matchup for him because of the Thunder’s elite perimeter defenders, but Reaves has to be more resilient and calm under pressure. The Lakers cannot win this series if he shrinks again.

Los Angeles’ defense excelled at limiting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impact. The Lakers swarmed him whenever he touched the basketball and forced him into seven turnovers and only 18 points. Chet Holmgren was a problem, though. The former second overall pick scored 24 points and looked too big and mobile for Los Angeles’ frontcourt.

The best bet for Game 2 is taking Jared McCain to score at least four points and at least six points. The sharpshooter logged 14 minutes in the opening contest and scored 12 points on 4-of-7 shooting from the field. Oklahoma City needs his quick trigger with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander constantly doubled and Jalen Williams nursing a hamstring strain.

Lakers vs. Thunder Best Bet, Pick & Prediction

Best Bet: Jared McCain O3.5 Points (+113)
Best Bet: Jared McCain O5.5 Points (+197)
Score Prediction: Thunder 112, Lakers 97

Lakers vs. Thunder Game Odds

Lakers vs. Thunder Game Information

Date: Thursday, May 7, 2026
Time: 9:40 p.m. ET
Network: APVO
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Venue: Paycom Center – 225.3 ppg; 23-21 O/U
Series Score: Thunder 1-0

Lakers vs. Thunder Betting Resources

Lakers vs. Thunder Key Players

Lakers

LeBron James – Last Game: 27 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists
Austin Reaves – Last Game: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists
Rui Hachimura – Last Game: 18 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Last Game: 18 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists
Chet Holmgren – Last Game: 24 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist
Ajay Mitchell – Last Game: 18 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists

Braxton Reynolds

Braxton has been covering the NBA for Lineups since the 2022 season. He's worked with multiple collegiate coaching staffs regarding analytics and scouting, which has allowed him to understand the game on a deeper level. Braxton also currently writes about the Oklahoma City Thunder for Thunder Roundtable.