The NBA’s leading scorer remains on a “slow path” as he recovers from a Grade 2 left hamstring strain he suffered April 2 and will miss the start of Round 2 of the NBA Playoffs between the Lakers and Thunder, according to a report from ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday.
“He’s doing more and more on the court,” Charania reported. “But right now, still not full-fledged running or full-contact workouts.”
The Thunder will also be without an All-Star player as Jalen Williams was ruled out for Game 1 (7:30 p.m. Tuesday, NBC).
Williams remains out with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain that he sustained during Game 2 of a first-round playoff series against the Phoenix Suns on April 22. OKC ultimately swept that series.
Here’s everything you need to know about Tuesday’s game between the Thunder and Lakers:
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What time is Thunder vs Lakers game tonight?
- Date: Tuesday, May 5
- Time: 7:30 p.m. CT
- Where: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City
Watch Thunder vs Lakers live on Fubo
What channel is OKC Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers on tonight?
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
- How to watch online: Fubo (free trial)
Thunder vs Lakers predictions, picks
Justin Martinez: OKC 122, Los Angeles 106
This isn’t a great matchup for the Lakers. Los Angeles ranked 22nd in pace during the regular season (99.22) but consistently got sped up by OKC’s defense, which forced turnovers and capitalized on the other end. I expect that to be even more of an issue while Luka Doncic, the Lakers’ primary ball handler, is out. And I also expect Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and company to feast on a Los Angeles defense that doesn’t have great rim protection. Give me the Thunder at home.
Thunder vs Lakers betting odds
Odds via BetMGM as of Monday, May 4
- Odds: OKC by 15.5
- Over/under: 213.5
- Moneyline: OKC -1100 | Los Angeles +700
Thunder vs Lakers injury updates
- Thunder: Thomas Sorber (right ACL surgical recovery) is out. Jalen Williams (left hamstring strain) is out.
- Lakers: Luka Doncic (left hamstring strain) is out.
Projected OKC Thunder starters
Projected Los Angeles Lakers starters
Justin Martinez covers the Thunder and NBA for The Oklahoman. Have a story idea for Justin? He can be reached at jmartinez@oklahoman.com or on X/Twitter at @Justintohoops. Sign up for the Thunder Sports Minute newsletter to access more NBA coverage. Support Justin’s work and that of other Oklahoman journalists by purchasing a digital subscription today at subscribe.oklahoman.com.