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Thunder take 1-0 lead into game 2 against the Lakers
The Oklahoma City Thunder hold a 1-0 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference second round, hosting Game 2 on Thursday at the Paycom Center.
Both teams enter the series missing key stars; Thunder All-NBA swingman Jalen Williams remains out with a hamstring injury, while Lakers guard Luka Doncic is sidelined after missing the entire opening round.
Los Angeles coach JJ Redick faces the challenge of slowing Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 31.1 points per game and demands defensive schemes beyond individual coverage.
Most analysts predict the Thunder will advance within five games, with the every other day scheduling format causing the second-round series to span just over a week.
Top-Ranked in the Western Conference, the Thunder face 41-year-old LeBron James and the Lakers as the series continues, with Oklahoma City having demonstrated dominance throughout the regular season and playoffs.