Two NBA heavyweights will meet in the playoffs for the first time when Lebron James’ Lakers visit reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunders to kick off Round 2 of the playoffs.
After winning three straight against Houston in the first round, it took the Lakers until Game 6 to advance into the second round in a series that saw the return of Austin Reeves. Now, the Lakers will take on the No. 1 seed in the West.
The Oklahoma City Thunder advanced easily, sweeping the Phoenix Suns in four games. The defending NBA champs come into this series having already swept their season series against the Lakers. Of the four wins, only one was decided by less than a 29-point gap.
Both teams are heading into the second round missing key players. The Lakers are still without Luca Doncic after he suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain on April 2 (in a game against the Thunder), but sources told the California Post that he’s expected to miss the first two games, leaving a door open for a Game 3 return.
Lakers vs. Thunder: what to know
- What: NBA Playoffs Second Round, Game 1
- When: May 5, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
- Channel: NBC
- Streaming: DIRECTV (try it free)
Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams has also been out with a hamstring injury, and his status for tonight’s Game 1 is uncertain.
The next game in the Lakers-Thunder series is scheduled for Thursday night.
Lakers vs. Thunder start time:
Tonight’s (May 5) Game 1 between the Los Angeles Lakers and OKC Thunder is scheduled to tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Lakers-Thunder second round playoff schedule
- Game 1: May 5 (8:30 ET, NBC/Peacock)
- Game 2: May 7 (9:30 ET, Prime Video)
- Game 3: May 9 (8:30 ET, ABC)
- Game 4: May 11 (10:30 ET, Prime Video)
- Game 5: May 13*
- Game 6: May 16*
- Game 7: May 18*
* if necessary
