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The Oklahoma City Thunder (24-56) go on the road to play the Los Angeles Lakers (31-49) in a Friday night matchup. Both teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention. Los Angeles has struggled mightily since the All-Star break, going 5-18 in its last 23 games. The Lakers are currently on an eight-game slide. OKC's two-game win streak came to an end last time out, dropping a game to the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. LeBron James (ankle), Anthony Davis (foot), Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony (illness) have all been ruled out for the Lakers. The Thunder have a lengthy injury list and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (ankle), Darius Bazley (knee), Luguentz Dort (shoulder) are among the key players ruled out. 

Tipoff is at 10:30 p.m. ET at Barclays Center. Caesars Sportsbook lists Los Angeles as the 5.5-point favorite in the latest Thunder vs. Lakers odds. The over-under for total points is set at 227. Before locking in any Lakers vs. Thunder picks, be sure to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model enters Week 25 of the 2021-22 NBA season on a stunning 84-54 roll on all top-rated NBA picks, returning over $2,400. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Thunder, and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Thunder vs. Lakers:

  • Lakers vs. Thunder spread: Los Angeles -5.5
  • Lakers vs. Thunder over-under: 227 points
  • Lakers vs. Thunder money line: Oklahoma City +190, Los Angeles -230
  • OKC: Thunder are 9-2-1 ATS in their last 12 games following an ATS loss
  • LAL: Lakers are 6-2 ATS in their last eight Friday games

Why the Lakers can cover

In the Lakers' last contest against the Golden State Warriors, they were without their Big 3 of James, Westbrook and Davis. Other players stepped up and Los Angeles had four players score in double figures. They were led by guard Talen Horton-Tucker. He exploded a career-high 40 points, with three rebounds, three assists and four steals.

Guard Malik Monk provided more offensive help from the backcourt. Monk finished with 24 points, seven rebounds and four assists. He also knocked down three 3-pointers. Center Dwight Howard added some size and physicality in the paint, recording a double-double with 16 points and 12 boards. 

Why the Thunder can cover

Forward Jaylen Hoard recently signed a 10-day contract with Oklahoma City but has made a serious impact. He is averaging 12.4 points, 10.4 rebounds and two assists per game. The Wake Forest product has good athleticism, allowing him to play through contact in the paint. He's snagged 20-plus rebounds in two of his last four games. On April 5, Hoard finished with 24 points and 21 rebounds.

Forward Isaiah Roby averages 9.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. He has quick feet and plays solid defense. With Oklahoma City wiped out by injuries, Roby has taken advantage. The Nebraska product has scored in double-figures in eight straight games. In his last outing, Roby finished with 18 points, five rebounds and five assists. 

How to make Thunder vs. Lakers picks

SportsLine's model is leaning under on the total, projecting 217 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits almost 70 percent of the time. You can only see the model's pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Lakers vs. Thunder? And which side of the spread hits almost 70 percent of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.