Lakers vs. Thunder Preview: Please don’t go to overtime

On Sunday, when I wrote my game preview for the Lakers’ matchup with the Thunder on Monday, I pleaded that the game not go to double overtime like it did on Saturday. The headline was quite literally “Please Don’t Go To Double Overtime.”

Don’t get me wrong: Overtime games can be fun, but Saturday’s game wasn’t and I didn’t expect an overtime game against the Thunder — the team with the second-worst offense in the NBA — to be all that exciting either. I was right, and I only have myself to blame.

You see, on Sunday, I asked that the Lakers avoid double overtime. As it turns out, the basketball gods have a sense of humor, so they laughed at my request and said “sure, dummy, we won’t let this one go to double overtime, but we’ll make damn sure it goes to overtime.” And that’s exactly what they did.

So now, ahead of the Lakers’ third and final matchup with the Thunder of the season, I am politely requesting — nay, begging — that the game doesn’t go to overtime. To be more specific, I’d like the game to end in regulation. Call me old fashioned, but there’s something about four 12 minute quarters that just sits right with me.

That may be too big an ask for a team that might be without Anthony Davis and Alex Caruso again, but I thought I’d ask because, like LeBron James, I don’t think my heart can take another overtime game. I, too, am a #WashedKing.

The Lakers and Thunder will tip-off at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. And whether it goes to overtime, double overtime or ends in regulation, the game will be broadcast locally on Spectrum SportsNet.

Notes and updates

• Anthony Davis (right Achilles tendinosis) and Alex Caruso (sore right hand) are both being listed as questionable. Davis and Caruso missed Monday’s game with the same injuries.
• LeBron James is once again probable with a left ankle sprain.
• Kostas Antetokounmpo (right knee patellar tendinitis) and Jared Dudley (right calf soreness) are out.

For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or Google Podcasts. You can follow this author on Twitter at @RadRivas.