Thunder Dominate Lakers in Playoff Series, Pick OKC -10.5 for Game 4

A bettor missed a public pick on the MAX play but notes followers hit eight straight wins last week. Tonight's Game 4 pits the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Los Angeles Lakers in a lopsided second-round NBA playoff series.

The Thunder will win the NBA championship barring injuries, the bettor predicts, likely beating the Knicks in five or six games. Oklahoma City boasts depth with strong defense, good shooting, a top scorer and prior championship experience.

The team faces a narrative problem. Fans judge based on highlights and tweets rather than full games. Critics say Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hunts fouls and the Thunder get all the calls from referees. The bettor, who watches every game possible, calls them a great, aggressive squad that earns rewards on defense.

The Lakers had no real chance in the series and hoped for referee help. They complain often and have shot more free throws than opponents in two of three games. The bettor blasts flopping as ruining the NBA, with LeBron James sharing blame.

Lakers drives total 120 this series, Thunder 148. Questionable calls go both ways.

Lost amid complaints is the Thunder's dominance. They stand 7-0 in playoffs, winning every game by nine or more points. Average margin against Lakers is 26 points, 21 overall. Game 4 spread is Thunder -10.5.

The Lakers appear to have quit, fixating on referees with no other path to victory. Pick: Oklahoma City -10.5. Also, Ajay Mitchell over 16.5 points. The second-round pick averages 20.7 points this series, never below 18.