The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in a pivotal Western Conference showdown with playoff implications for the visitors.
LeBron James is listed as probable with a left groin strain, while the Lakers remain without forward Maxi Kleber due to right foot surgery recovery.
Oklahoma City, which has already clinched the No. 1 seed in the West, will rest five players including Ousmane Dieng (left calf strain), Alex Ducas (left quad strain), Ajay Mitchell (toe surgery), Nikola Topic (left knee surgery), and Jaylin Williams (left ankle sprain).
The Purple and Gold currently sit third in the standings at 47-30, holding a slim 0.5-game lead over the fourth-seeded Denver Nuggets and a 1.5-game cushion over the seventh seed.
The Lakers are 5-5 in their last ten games and will need a sharper performance to keep control of their playoff destiny.
The Thunder had an 11-game winning streak snapped by the Houston Rockets earlier this week but still own the league’s best record.
Despite Oklahoma City’s 64-13 record securing home-court advantage throughout the playoffs, the Lakers still have everything to play for as they aim to avoid the play-in tournament.
Golden State, Minnesota, Memphis, and the Clippers are all within striking distance, making each remaining game critical for Los Angeles.
The Thunder won the first meeting between the two teams 101-93 in November, and this will be the second of three regular season matchups, with the final one scheduled in four days.
Tonight’s contest provides the Lakers a rare opportunity to face a shorthanded Thunder squad that is expected to prioritize rest over results.
LeBron, who has been managing several minor injuries throughout the season, is expected to play as Los Angeles looks to capitalize on Oklahoma City’s depleted roster.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is not listed on the official injury report and could be available if head coach Mark Daigneault opts to keep his starters active.
