Oklahoma City is on a historic run with a 23-1 record — tied for the second-best 24-game start in NBA history with the 1969-70 New York Knicks<\/a>, according to ESPN Research. The Thunder are also on a 15-game winning streak, tied for the longest win streak in franchise history. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> leads Oklahoma City with 32.8 points per game, while center Chet Holmgren<\/a> is averaging career highs in points (18.6) and rebounds (8.1). The Thunder reached the NBA Cup final last season, where they lost to theMilwaukee Bucks<\/a>.<\/p>\n Phoenix narrowly lost to Oklahoma City 123-119<\/a> last month in an NBA Cup group game but enters the matchup losing three of its last four. The status of Suns star Devin Booker<\/a> — who leads the team with 25 points per game — is in question because of a groin injury sustained on Dec. 1<\/a>. Forward Dillon Brooks<\/a> is second in scoring with a career-high 22.3 points per game.<\/p>\n The Lakers defeated the Spurs 118-116<\/a>in their most recent matchup on Nov. 5. They boast the highest-scoring starting backcourt in the NBA with Luka Doncic<\/a> averaging 35 a game and Austin Reaves<\/a> putting up a career-high 28.4. LeBron James<\/a> is averaging 16.1 points after missing the first 14 games of the season because of sciatica.<\/p>\n San Antonio has had its own injury issues with star center Victor Wembanyama<\/a>sidelined since Nov. 14 with a calf injury<\/a>and guardStephon Castle<\/a>missing 10 games because of a hip flexor strain<\/a>. Castle has returned to action, but Wembanyama remains out<\/a>.<\/p>\n Who will punch their ticket to Las Vegas for the semifinals?Follow along below for live updates and highlights.<\/p>\n
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