Serge Ibaka's possible suspension has been the main subject of tonight's game, but it seems that he will be able to play tonight. However, the Spanish player was pretty much a non-factor on the first three games of the season played between these two teams: 46.7% FG, 10 ppg, 6.3 rpg and 2.0 bpg, numbers well below his season average! His matchup on defense against Earl Clark who plays closer to the perimeter on offense than down low is actually a bit tough for Ibaka, who plays to play near the basket. On the other hand, Ibaka hasn't been showing a great offensive impact against the Lakers this season, as these games have been played under a very fast pace, where he rarely has the chance of doing his post up sets.
There are no doubts that the Lakers have been playing better lately. Dwight Howard looks healthier, while Kobe Bryant is dominating like in the old days. However, if the Lakers want to be competitive tonight, they can't turn the ball over like they have been doing it lately, as they've committed 16, 16, 15, 16 and 21 turnovers over their last five games for an average of 16.8! The turnovers committed help to explain why the Lakers have allowed 20.8 fast break points per game in those games and if that happens once again tonight against the Thunder, then they will have no chances against a team that is #2 in the league on transition offense!
The Lakers have been shooting very well from the outside with 46.1% 3pts over their last 5 games - best in the league! They are looking like the Orlando Magic from a few years ago: put Howard down low and spread the floor with plenty of shooters. Oklahoma City tends to be a bit sloppy at times in closing out on the shooters, so the success of the Lakers's offense tonight will be depending on a good outside shooting game and in avoiding turnovers. If they aren't able of doing that, then they will suffer a inevitable blowout loss at the hands of the Thunder.
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