NBA picks
LA Lakers
Lakers · Away
Oklahoma City
Thunder · Home
Model Picks
17Team Leaders
Oklahoma City Thunder
Los Angeles Lakers
AI Analysis
Deandre Ayton o0.5 Total Assists
Ayton is not receiving easy post looks against Oklahoma City, leading to perimeter passing and potential assists, with projections for at least one assist in Game 1 ranging from 0.9 to 1.2.
AI Analysis
Alex Caruso o7.5 Points Scored
The reserve guard for OKC saw his usage rate increase from 12.1% to 17.5% after Williams' injury, scoring 13 and 14 points in the last two games with a shooting performance of 10-for-16, while Caruso averaged just over six points in the regular season but scored six, 10, and 17 points against the Lakers.
AI Analysis
Marcus Smart o1.5 3-Pointers Made
Smart had a variable performance in Round 1 against Houston, hitting two or more three-pointers in four of six games, shooting 44.8% from three-point range, while Los Angeles is expected to attempt more threes due to playing from behind, taking advantage of OKC's perimeter defense that allows opponents to shoot 36.7%.
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