Thunder Favored to Blow Out Lakers in NBA Playoff Game 2 After Game 1 Rout

NBA playoff action has followed a pattern over three nights with two games each evening. On Monday, the Knicks routed the 76ers while the Timberwolves edged the Spurs. Tuesday brought a tight Pistons win over the Cavs and a Thunder blowout of the Lakers. Wednesday saw the Knicks slip past the 76ers and the Spurs crush the Timberwolves. Thursday's slate could repeat the close game and blowout formula.

Any blowout figures to come at the Lakers' expense. In Game 1, Los Angeles stayed competitive for the first half, trailing by eight at halftime. But the Lakers scored just 37 of their 90 points after the break. They shot 41% from the floor, 33% from three-point range and 77% from the free-throw line.

The Lakers must adjust their approach for Game 2. Austin Reaves struggled with eight points on 3-for-16 shooting in 36 minutes. Thunder defenders deserve credit, but Reaves also looked rusty after missing time and may not be fully healed. Los Angeles got only 15 bench points total, while Thunder reserve Jared McCain scored 12 by himself.

The Thunder look like championship contenders. They have won all five playoff games without their second-best player. A major injury would be needed to stop them. The Lakers miss their top player too, but have played just one game. The question is not whether Oklahoma City wins, but if anyone challenges them.

Game 1 did not showcase the Thunder at their peak. Their defense limited the Lakers to 90 points, but the offense lacked sharpness despite the 108-90 victory. With rest since sweeping the Suns on April 27, the Thunder should shoot better. The Lakers played April 29 and May 1.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander managed 18 points in Game 1, his first sub-20 outing since Game 3 of last season's Western Conference Finals. He followed with 40 points. Sportsbooks set his total at 29.5 for Game 2. Expect him to exceed it as the Lakers push harder on offense.

The play is the over 210.5 total points. The Lakers lack scoring punch, but reaching 95 or 100 should draw a strong Thunder response. Gilgeous-Alexander's improved output pushes the total higher.