The Los Angeles Lakers travel to the Chase Center to do battle with the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. Here’s a Warriors vs. Lakers prediction. This article will include a Warriors vs. Lakers pick.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers have been struggling lately as they’ve dropped five of their last seven games overall and they will be hoping to snap a three-game skid after falling short to the shorthanded Suns in a 113-110 road defeat on Thursday. Luka Doncic led the team with 41 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists; LeBron James added 15 points with six rebounds and five assists, while Austin Reaves chipped in with 14 points. As a team, the Lakers shot 51 percent from the field and 11 of 29 from the 3-point line as they rallied back from a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to tie up the scores with 22.7 seconds on the clock and the game looked headed for overtime before the Suns’ Royce O’Neale drained the game winner to snatch the game away.
Golden State Warriors Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors have been struggling for consistency as they’ve split their last 10 games and they will be looking to get something going after blowing past the depleted Grizzlies in a 133-112 road win on Wednesday. Will Richard led the team in scoring with 21 points and six assists on nine of 15 shooting; Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II each scored 19 points, while Gui Santos chipped in with 17 points on six of seven shooting. As a team, the Warriors shot 53 percent from the field and 19 of 46 from the 3-point line as they dominated the second quarter by 40-22 to take a 21-point lead into halftime and they didn’t take their foot off the gas until the lead swelled to 32 points.
Why the Golden State Warriors will win
- The Lakers have lost six of their last seven games as road favorites against Pacific Division opponents.
- The underdogs have won each of the Lakers’ last three games.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Warriors have covered the spread in seven of their last eight home games against the Lakers following a road win.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Warriors have lost each of their last six games following a win.
- The Lakers have won each of their last five games following a road loss.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as road favorites following a road loss.
- The Warriors have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games following a win.
Total Points: Facts
- Nine of the Warriors’ last 10 home games have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the Lakers’ last four road games against Western Conference opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
Golden State Warriors Player Facts
- Pat Spencer ranks 18th amongst qualified players for assists per 36 minutes (7.5) this season.
- Moses Moody ranks 25th amongst qualified players for 3P% (40.5%) this season.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Luka Dončić ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points per game (32.7) this season.
- Luke Kennard ranks 1st amongst qualified players for 3P% (48.8%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Warriors rank 1st in the league for three-point field goals made per game this season (16.4).
- The Warriors rank 1st in the league for three-point field goal attempts per game this season (45.4).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.6).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for field goal percentage this season (49.8%).
Warriors vs Lakers Prediction
The Lakers are still slightly shorthanded with Rui Hachimura listed as doubtful for this one, while the Warriors have ruled out Stephen Curry, Seth Curry, Jimmy Butler III, and LJ Cryer, with Kristaps Porzingis upgraded to questionable for this one. The Lakers haven’t been able to find their rhythm despite being relatively healthy but they are still open as road favorites against the Warriors, who are dealing with injuries to key players. The Lakers must be disappointed with their latest defeat against the Suns, who were missing two of their best players and they could find themselves in trouble if they look past this depleted Warriors squad, but I do think the Lakers can do enough to get a much-needed win here. I don’t love the Lakers right now, but sure, they are still good enough to take advantage of a banged-up Warriors squad.