Lakers vs. Thunder NBA Picks and Predictions for Tuesday — 4/8/25

Tuesday’s NBA slate features 10 games, with the Lakers vs. Thunder facing off for the second time in a three-day span. LeBron James and Luka Doncic lead the West’s No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers on the road to face Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder. 

Below, we’ll give you the top picks and predictions for Lakers vs. Thunder, including the best Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander picks, key stats for the matchup, and predictions for the game.

Both teams just met this past Sunday, and the Lakers won in dominant fashion, 126-99. However, Tuesday’s game may look different, as the Lakers have key players questionable for the game, including LeBron James (groin), Luka Doncic (groin), and Austin Reaves (ankle), with F Rui Hachimura already ruled out.

PrizePicks is the easiest way to get real money action on today’s NBA games — including Lakers vs. Thunder. Just pick More or Less on player stat projections — from Luka’s points, rebounds, and assists to Shai’s points — and get paid if your picks are correct.

Let’s look at Lakers-Thunder picks and predictions below, including the top player picks for PrizePicks. Find more NBA PrizePicks picks and analysis for tonight’s games in the NBA DFS Cheat Sheet.

Lakers vs. Thunder Preview for April 8

Time: 8 p.m. ET

How to Watch: NBA League Pass

The NBA Playoffs are less than two weeks away, and every game matters for the Lakers in a tight Western Conference for seeding and home-court advantage. The Thunder on the other hand have the best record in the NBA, two games ahead of the Cavaliers for that title, and so far will have home-court throughout the postseason.

The Lakers currently hold the third-seed with a record of 48-30 and with five games remaining for them on the season, each win will be pivotal. Tonight’s game could be made even tougher, as James, Doncic, and Reaves — the Lakers’ top three scorers — are all questionable to play.

The Lakers won the previous matchup two days ago, blowing out the Thunder behind 55% shooting from 3-point range, and gaining an impressive road victory that’s key for positioning in the Western Conference standings. 

Key Stats for Lakers vs. Thunder 

Here are the key stats to know before the Lakers vs. Thunder on Tuesday, April 8.

• The Thunder are 8-2 in their last 10 games.
• The Lakers are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but have won four of their last five.
• The Thunder are 35-6 at home this season. 
• The Lakers are 18-20 on the road this season.
• The Thunder are fourth in points per game (120.0) this season.
• The Lakers are second in free throws made (18.3) this season 

Lakers vs. Thunder Picks for PrizePicks

Here are the top NBA DFS picks you should focus on for the Lakers vs. Thunder game on PrizePicks tonight, including the best Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Luka Doncic picks. 

Use the analysis below to choose More or Less on PrizePicks and cash out if your picks are correct.

Thunder G Jalen Williams — 20.5 Points 

• Thunder G Jalen Williams is averaging 22.6 points in his last five games.
• He’s averaging 24.0 points per game for the month of April.
• Williams has attempted 14 or more shots in his last five games. 
• When at home, he averages 20.5 points.

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Lakers F Luka Doncic  — 42.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts 

• In his first full month as a Laker in March, Doncic averaged 30.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 8.6 assists.
• He’s played 36 or more minutes in eight straight games.
• In the three games he’s played in April, Doncic is averaging 28.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists 
• In his previous game against the Thunder, Donic dropped 30 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists in a blowout win.

Thunder C Chet Holmgren — 7.5 Rebounds

• Thunder C Chet Holmgren is averaging 6.6 rebounds in his last five games. 
• He averaged 8.3 rebounds per game in the month of March.
• Has a career average of 6.6 rebounds against the Lakers
• Holmgren is averaging 8.1 rebounds on the season.
• Will be going up against a Lakers team that is ranked 26th (42.4) in total rebounds per game. 

Lakers F LeBron James — 23 Points

• In his last five games, James is averaging 24 points. 
• In March, the first full month playing alongside Doncic, James averaged 21.6 points.
• He’s attempted 16 or more field goal attempts in three out of his last five games. 
• In the three games he’s played in April, James is averaging 26.3 points.
• He scored 19 points in 34 minutes in the previous matchup against the Thunder.

Most Popular Lakers vs. Thunder Picks

Here are the most popular player picks on PrizePicks NBA for Lakers vs. Thunder today as of 3 p.m. ET. You can pick More or Less on these player projections on PrizePicks to win real money.

• Lakers F Luka Doncic — 27.5 Points 
• Thunder G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — 31.5 Points
• Lakers G Austin Reaves — 22 Points
• Lakers F LeBron James — 23 Points

Win Real Money on Lakers vs. Thunder Picks

One of the top matchups for Tuesday’s NBA slate will feature the Lakers vs. Thunder in a Western Conference battle. With the standings being close, this game will hold a lot of weight for the Lakers, who currently hold the three seed in the West.. 

Tuesday’s NBA slate provides an opportunity to make real money on PrizePicks. Just pick More or Less on player stat projections — from points to 3-pointers to combos — and lock in your Lineup to get in on the action. If your picks are correct, you’ll get paid out instantly when the games end.

‍Come back to the Playbook throughout the NBA regular season and Playoffs for more basketball analysis for your PrizePicks and NBA DFS Lineups.