The
The Thunder will be without
Center
Oklahoma City sounds a lot like the Lakers, who will play without
Key matchup
Given the sparse roster, the Thunder will presumably rely heavily on guards
Augustin, who was recently acquired from the
Through 59 games this season, he's averaging 10.4 points and 4.8 assists, while shooting 40.6% from the field and 32.9% from three-point range.
Waiters was picked up earlier in the year from the Cleveland Cavaliers. He's at 10.8 points a season, shooting 39.1% and 27.6%, respectively.
Neither is a serious outside threat.
The Lakers have gotten some of their best guard-play of the season in recent games, from Jordan Clarkson, Jeremy Lin and
X-factor
The Thunder still have forward
Ibaka is averaging 14.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks a game.
Center Mitch McGary is another player to keep an eye on. He's given the Thunder some big games this season.
The Lakers rely on a number of players inside, including
Since moving Boozer back into to the starting lineup, the Lakers are undefeated.
Outlook
The Thunder coming into Staples Center should have been an easy call, but the Lakers are playing their best ball of the season of late and Oklahoma City is decimated by injury.
The original prediction was the Thunder, but the Lakers should be able to take their fourth straight.
Email Eric Pincus at Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.