The Lakers are improved. But they still are a lottery team several tiers below Oklahoma City. LA doesn't match up well to Oklahoma City either. The Lakers' biggest weaknesses are rim protection, rebounding and protecting the ball.

The Thunder can exploit these weaknesses ranking third in rebounding with a tough inside presence and Russell Westbrook, who could be the best player in the NBA right now. He's averaging 33 points, 11.2 rebounds and 12.2 assists during his last five games. Those are Oscar Robertson numbers.

Oklahoma City has dominated this series winning the past nine times.

The Thunder are in a foul frame of mind, too, coming off a 115-111 home overtime loss to the Pacers two days ago. Westbrook didn't shoot well in that game and will be highly motivated here in his former stomping ground having starred at UCLA. The Lakers rank among the bottom four in defense and were last in defensive field goal percentage.

The Lakers also might be without point guard D'Angelo Russell, who missed Monday's practice with a sore knee.