Shorthanded Western Conference heavyweights go head-to-head on Monday as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Oklahoma City Thunder.
With Luka Doncic out, LeBron James should operate as LA’s primary facilitator, and my Thunder vs. Lakers predictions expect him to get teammates involved early and often.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this Western Conference showdown on Monday, February 9.
Thunder vs Lakers prediction
Thunder vs Lakers best bet: LeBron James Over 7.5 assists (-130)
LeBron James is averaging 6.8 dimes per game this season, including 7.4 at home. He’s dished 8+ dimes in 13 of 34 appearances overall, including seven of 16 at home.
In four games with Luka Doncic sidelined, James has averaged 8.8 assists and handed out 8+ three times.
James has handed out 10 assists in back-to-back games, and he’ll operate as the Los Angeles Lakers’ primary facilitator tonight in what could be a high-scoring matchup at home. I’ll take the Over on a modest assists line.
Thunder vs Lakers same-game parlay
The Los Angeles Lakers have covered in seven of their last 10 games, including three straight. The Oklahoma City Thunder are just 4-5-1 ATS across their last 10 appearances. Both teams will be without their star point guards, but the Lakers have played too well to be spotted seven points at home.
Both teams have hit the Over in 28 games, and despite the absences of Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they each have enough firepower to hit the Over on this modest line. The Lakers are 5-1 to the Over as the home underdog, and the Thunder are 13-11 as the road favorite.
Thunder vs Lakers SGP
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LeBron James Over 7.5 assists
Our “from downtown” SGP: Welcome to La-La land
Chet Holmgren is pulling down 8.7 rebounds per game this season, but he’s corralled 9.8 across his last 14 appearances and reached the Over on this line 10 times. Even with Isaiah Hartenstein back in the fold, Holmgren has grabbed 10+ rebounds in two straight with Hartenstein available.
Thunder vs Lakers SGP
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LeBron James Over 7.5 assists
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Chet Holmgren Over 8.5 rebounds
Thunder vs Lakers odds
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Spread: Thunder -7 | Lakers +7
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Moneyline: Thunder -260 | Lakers +210
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Over/Under: Over 233 | Under 233
Thunder vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Los Angeles Lakers have covered the 4Q Spread in 32 of their last 50 games (+10.60 Units / 18% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Thunder vs. Lakers.
How to watch Thunder vs Lakers
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Location |
Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
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Date |
Monday, February 9, 2026 |
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Tip-off |
10:00 p.m. ET |
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TV |
Peacock |
Thunder vs Lakers latest injuries
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This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here
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