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Deandre Ayton and Chet Holmgren during an NBA game.

On May 5, the Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Los Angeles Lakers at the Paycom Center for Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals matchup.

The defending champions are heavily favored to beat the Lakers. They dominated the regular-season series matchup, getting the 4-0 sweep and winning by an average margin of 29.3 points per game.

Luka Doncic remains out for the Lakers, with LeBron James and Austin Reaves expected to lead the historic franchise.

On the other hand, the Thunder have the talent and depth to win back-to-back titles. They have the reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as well as Chet Holmgren, Lu Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein, Alex Caruso, Ajay Mitchell and more.

Jalen Williams is currently sidelined, but he could be on track to return early in the series, as reported by Clemente Almanza of OKC Thunder Wire.

Chet Holmgren Sends Message About Deandre Ayton

GettyChet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after a three point shot during the second half against the New York Knicks at Paycom Center on March 29, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Speaking to reporters after Saturday’s practice, Chet Holmgren answered multiple questions, including about his potential matchup against Deandre Ayton. Holmgren explained why Ayton is going to be a tough cover, though Isaiah Hartenstein is likely starting at center for the Thunder.

“I think he’s a really good player,” Holmgren said. “He’s a big target down there, especially they have a lot of really good passers on their team. So, you got to play their whole team. You can’t ignore anybody out there. Ayton’s one of them. When he gets the ball down low, he’s a big guy, strong guy, and he can finish well, so just got to make everything challenging.”

Ayton is coming off a really good series against the Houston Rockets. He averaged 11.8 points, 10.8 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks in six games. He was brilliant defensively, making things hard for Alperen Sengun the entire series.

It’s unclear if JJ Redick is going to make some adjustments to his starting lineup to deal with a tall frontcourt of Holmgren and Hartenstein. Rui Hachimura has been playing power forward since Luka Doncic has been out with an hamstring injury.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers Schedule

GettyPRIL 6: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball over Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at Paycom Center on April 6, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Here’s the full schedule of the Thunder-Lakers second-round playoff series.

• Game 1: May 5 at Paycom Center live on NBC/Peacock
• Game 2: May 7 at Paycom Center live on Prime Video
• Game 3: May 9 at Crypto.com Arena live on ABC
• Game 4: May 11 at Crypto.com Arena live on Prime Video
• Game 5: May 13 at Paycom Center if necessary
• Game 6: May 16 at Crypto.com Arena if necessary
• Game 7: May 18 at Paycom Center if necessary

The Thunder will have all the advantage in the world despite not having their second-best player to start the series. LeBron James will have to continue fighting Father Time to give the Lakers a chance.