The Lakers (11-8) will stop at Oklahoma’s Paycom Center tonight to face off against the Thunders (11-6). This is the first time the two will be meeting since the season has tipped off. The Lakers are coming off a glorious 133-107 win against the Pistons for a back-to-back game tonight. On the other hand, OKC will try to turn the tides in their favor tonight at their home court, ending their two-game losing streak.

In terms of defensive efficiency, OKC ranks seventh in the league; the Lakers are playing back-to-back games tonight and this could give the Thunders an edge over them. In anticipation of the first of Lakers and OKC’s four regular-season games, let us take a look at the expected lineups on both sides of the court.

LeBron James and AD will suit up for tonight’s game

This time around, both LeBron and AD are not on the injury list, much to the fans’ relief. So, for the starting five, we can expect Bron, Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Taurean Prince, and Max Christie. Confirmed sidelines for tonight are Gabe Vincent (knee), Jarred Vanderbilt (heel), and Rui Hachimura (nasal fracture). Jaxson Hayes (elbow) is also questionable.

LeBron (calf) was listed as questionable before Wednesday’s game, while AD (left adductor/hip spasm) and Cam Reddish (left adductor) were on the probable list. All three ended up playing the game, so they will most definitely show up tonight. But it shouldn’t be surprising if they might want to rest either Bron or AD or at least give them shorter minutes in the game.

A healthy OKC team

The Thunders boast an injury-free list and seem to be all geared up to clench a win tonight vs the Lakers after suffering two back-to-back losses. On the starting lineup, we can expect Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Lugentz Dort, and Josh Giddey.

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Shai Alexander is one to look out for, as he is doing extremely well this season, averaging 30.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists. The Lakers might have to put in some extra work to contain the sharpshooter. Moreover, Holmgren and Dort have also proved themselves to be threats on the offensive front, so LeBron and Co. will have to put in effort on the defensive front.

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Who do you think has the upper hand in tonight’s game? Can the Lakers’ defense withstand the dominatingly offensive Thunders? Share your thoughts!