Tip-off: Tuesday night (April 27th), 10:30 PM ET, TNT

Historically, Phil Jackson and the L.A. Lakers are impossible to beat in a game like this one.

According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the Lakers are 17-0 all-time at home in the fifth game of a series tied 2-2. Combine that with the fact that Phil Jackson is 44-0 all-time in series in which he wins game 1 (which the Lakers did), and it seems like a statistical lock that Los Angeles will take advantage in the series with a Game 5 win.

Not only that, but there are only two 8-seed teams in the history of the NBA playoffs to defeat the 1-seed in the first round.

But if there's a team that has the ability to buck the trends and do the impossible, it appears that this Oklahoma City Thunder team has that potential.

The Thunder have been surprising people all year long. From their hot start to their MVP candidate to their Coach of the Year winner, they have been full of shocking, pleasant performances. Now in the playoffs, they are continuing the trend. They were competitive in Game 2 and nearly took the road game. Then in Games 3 and 4 at home, Oklahoma City dominated the defending champions on their way to evening the series at 2.

Now it's time for a pivotal Game 5 in Los Angeles that is crucial to the outcome of the series. If the Lakers can win tonight, they will feel very comfortable with their chances to win 1 of the next 2 games, especially with Game 7 on their home floor. But if Oklahoma City pulls out the road win tonight, they will have a great chance to pull off the massive upset and win the series at home in Game 6, where they have looked unstoppable.

The Thunder were very competitive in Games 1 and 2 in Los Angeles and were one tough shot away from stealing Game 2. In order to win tonight, they must continue to play fundamentally sound defense and force tough shots. Russell Westbrook has been playing tremendous basketball and pushing the tempo, and must continue to do the same. And, of course, Kevin Durant must step up to the challenge and lead his team to victory.

Durant has averaged 27 points and 9 rebounds per game in the series, but has the potential to play even better. He might have to have an efficient 35-to-40 point game tonight. Oklahoma City's role players must focus on their defensive effort and running effective offense. Players like Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic must knock down open jump shots.

For the Lakers, they are certainly favored tonight. But a victory will not come easy. Kobe Bryant has been struggling and seems stifled by the aggressive Thunder team defensive effort against him. Thabo Sefolosha has done a great job with one-on-one defense on him for most of the game, and Kevin Durant has stuck to him late in games.

Kobe went for 37 points in Game 2 and has played much better at home. Expect him to bounce back tonight, especially considering the importance of the game.

Oklahoma City has been dominating fast break points in the series and will look to run whenever possible. But as a strong defensive team that has playmakers in the half court, they can also win in a slow-tempo game. Their dynamic attack has been tough to defend all year.

The Lakers need to utilize their dominant size and strength inside. Lamar Odom, Andrew Bynum, and Pau Gasol have a massive advantage inside and must continue to be featured in the offense. Although the Thunder are a prolific shot-blocking team, they can get dominated down low and on the offensive glass.

There are many factors which could affect the outcome of this game. Ron Artest's defensive effort on Kevin Durant is certainly important, as is Sefolosha's on Kobe Bryant. The battle of the bigs in the paint might help determine the winner. The pace of the game could dictate which team has the advantage. It's impossible to tell what the main underlying factor will be.

Expect a tremendous effort from both teams tonight. I've got the LAKERS winning a close game, but it would not come as any kind of surprise if the young guns from Oklahoma City come out with the win.

Can't wait to watch this one tonight.