The Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers lock horns at the Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night. Here’s a Lakers vs Warriors Prediction. This article will include a Lakers vs Warriors Pick.
Golden State Warriors Betting Preview
The Golden State Warriors will be eager to rebound from a premature end to last season after getting knocked out by the Timberwolves in five games of the second round. Stephen Curry led the team with averages of 24.5 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game before suffering a hamstring injury in the playoffs, which really hampered the Warriors.
Buddy Hield averaged 11.7 points, while Draymond Green averaged 9.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game. Jimmy Butler III proved to be a key addition for the Warriors as he finished with averages of 17.9 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. As a team, the Warriors scored 113.8 points per game while shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from the 3-point line.
The Warriors’ management made some moves in the offseason as they acquired Al Horford from free agency and they re-signed Jonathan Kuminga, De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II while trading away Andrew Wiggins and Dennis Schroder. Butler III should feel more comfortable in the lineup following an offseason with his new club, but a lot will depend on the health of Curry, as the Warriors struggled to score without him on the court last season.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are looking to rebound this season after getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs last season despite the historic midseason acquisition of Luka Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. The Lakers didn’t stop making moves in the offseason as they also acquired De’Andre Ayton, Jake LaRavia, and Marcus Smart.
There is plenty of optimism surrounding the squad, especially with Doncic shedding a few pounds to look as fit as ever. As a team, the Lakers were good enough to win 50 games in the regular season while scoring 113.4 points per game, shooting 47.9 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from the 3-point line. LeBron James put together yet another impressive season with averages of 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game. Luka Doncic averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game. Austin Reaves had a breakout season with averages of 20.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
The Lakers might be a little slow out of the blocks this season, but barring injury, the Lakers expect to go deep in the playoffs now that Doncic is in shape. He has had a full offseason with his new squad.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won six of their last seven games as underdogs against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Warriors have lost each of their last four games.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight home games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Warriors have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five games as favorites.
Why the Golden State Warriors will win
- The Lakers have lost seven of their last eight season openers.
- The Warriors have won each of their last seven games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Warriors have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight season openers.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Warriors’ last 10 games against Pacific Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Each of the last six games between the Warriors and Lakers have gone OVER the total points line.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Luka Doncic was one of only four players to have recorded a 40+ point triple-double last season.
- Deandre Ayton was one of only 11 players to have recorded a 20-point, 20-rebound game last season.
Golden State Warriors Player Facts
- Stephen Curry ranked 1st amongst qualified players for FT% (93.3%) last season.
- Draymond Green was one of only three qualified players in the league to have averaged at least 1.0 threes, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks last season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lakers ranked 30th in the league for field goal attempts per game last season (85.5).
- The Lakers were the only team with four players to have averaged 20.0 points per game across 25+ regular season appearances last season (Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves).
- The Warriors recorded the equal-most wins when trailing by a margin of 10+ points through Q1 last season (5).
- The Warriors recorded the most wins by a margin of 35+ points last season (5).
Lakers vs Warriors Prediction
This one is a tricky game to pick, as you never know what you’re going to get on opening night from these two squads. The Warriors looked like they were going to miss the playoffs for most of the first half of last season before they acquired Butler III.
They were something like 20-2 SU when both players were on the court at the same time, but the Lakers will surely come out swinging in their first home game, especially with Doncic finally back to his usual playing weight. You can make an argument for either side and this one could go down to the wire, but I am leaning towards the more settled Warriors team to draw first blood. Come away with the narrow win and cover on the road in this spot.