NBA Picks: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Friday, 12/13/13, 8:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Oklahoma City -10.5
Current Betting Line: Oklahoma City -13
Opening Total: 209
Current Total: 209.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Los Angeles Lakers have dropped both of their games since the return of Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles has dropped both of its games since the return of superstar Kobe Bryant, including a 114-108 setback to the Phoenix Suns as three-point home favorites Tuesday, while going OVER the betting total for the third time in four contests. The Lakers have some major injury concerns heading into this affair, which will lead to Bryant spending a good portion of his time at the point guard position—something to consider when making your NBA predictions Friday night. Los Angeles is 0-2 SUATS when playing on the road with a total of 205 to 209.5 this season.

The Lakers are 4-5 SU on the road this season, including a 2-4 mark versus Western Conference opponents. Los Angeles has enjoyed tremendous production from its reserves thus far during the 2013-14 campaign, as the bench leads the NBA in averaging 47.8 points per game. Guard Nick Young is the main player to watch from that group, as he comes in scoring 16.3 points a contest. The franchise has used nine different starting lineups thus far.

Oklahoma City is averaging 111.0 points in putting together a four-game winning streak, which includes a 116-100 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies as six-point road favorites Wednesday. The Thunder have compiled a perfect 10-0 SU record at Chesapeake Energy Arena this season, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NBA betting lines. Forward Kevin Durant is currently averaging carer-highs in rebounding and assists, while also managing to score 30-plus points and grab 10-plus boards in five games this year. Oklahoma City is 15-2 SU and 13-4 ATS at home with a betting total of 205 to 209.5.

The Thunder have increased their winning percentage in the last five seasons—a streak that could continue due to their 17-4 record to open up the 2013-14 campaign. Oklahoma City is holding opponents to the second worst field goal shooting percentage in the league, while it has won all six games when a foe hits 40 percent or less of its attempts.