Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers 3/5/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Matchup Preview (3/5/22)

The Los Angeles Lakers, arguably the most painful team to watch in the NBA, will host the Golden State Warriors in an attempt to hand them their fourth-straight loss. There is nothing attractive about this game, but hopefully, we can at least get a vintage Steph Curry or LeBron James performance to entertain us. Los Angeles just dropped its seventh-straight game against, specifically, the Clippers on Thursday night. That loss marks its seventh loss in the past eight games, and tensions are the highest they have been this season.

Meanwhile, Golden State has not had much better luck without Draymond Green. The Warriors have lost three straight games for the first time this season, and it is clear that they need the anchor of their defense, and the facilitator of their offense, back on the floor. Golden State spent so much effort at the beginning of the season establishing its identity in defense but has struggled significantly on that end over the past ten games. If the Warriors don’t figure things out soon, they could get bounced early in the playoffs. Below are more specifics on this game and what I believe that outcome will be, so check it out!

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds

There is absolutely no way I will be putting any money down on the Los Angeles Lakers in this matchup, no matter how poorly the Golden State Warriors have been playing. The Lakers are one of two or three teams that I refuse to bet on, and the Los Angeles Clippers just explained why for me. With all due respect to the Clippers, if you are an NBA team and you are losing by 20+ points to them, then you are not a good basketball team. As long as the spread is not ridiculously wide, I will bet the Warriors against the spread.

How To Watch

Date: 3/5/22
Time: 8:30 PM ET
Arena: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, CA
Channel: ABC

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Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup

PG: Steph Curry
SG: Gary Payton II
SF: Klay Thompson
PF: Andrew Wiggins
C: Kevon Looney

Golden State Warriors Analysis

This game should be a solid opportunity for the Golden State Warriors to gain back some of the confidence they have lost recently. The Warriors have dropped three straight games for the first time in the 2021-22 NBA season. Additionally, they are 2-7 through their past nine games, and the absence of Draymond on both ends of the floor is as glaring as a sunburn. Interestingly enough, their main problem throughout this stretch has been defense; they have allowed 47% shooting from the field and 38% from deep. Winning is a rare occasion in the NBA when you perform that poorly on the defensive end. This is unlike the Warriors team that we have seen all season, so surely something has to give. Golden State may not play perfect basketball, but beating this horrendous Lakers team should be a simple task.

Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup

PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: Malik Monk
PF: LeBron James
C: Dwight Howard

Los Angeles Lakers Analysis

In retrospect, it is pretty shocking that any of us thought this whole Lakers “Big Three” operation would work out this season. Everyone was so sure they would be competitive that the Lakers had the second-best odds to win the NBA Championship at the beginning of the season. Now, it appears they will more than likely miss the playoffs. They just dropped an embarrassing game to the Los Angeles Clippers by 21 points, which marks seven straight losses to them. Los Angeles allowed the Clippers, a bottom ten offense in the NBA, to drop 132 points. There is very little chance for the Lakers to significantly improve between Thursday and Saturday night, so expect more of the same from one of the worst teams in the NBA.

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Daily Fantasy Picks

There is no one besides LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers that you should consider plugging into your DFS lineups until further notice. That’s right, no one. The Lakers have been abysmal in every way, shape, and form, and any faith you have in them should not exist. There is no reason to put anyone from this team into your lineup because there’s no consistency at all. For the sake of my sanity, I will refer two players from the Golden State Warriors for this matchup, despite how poorly they are playing as a team as well.

Since Jonathan Kuminga has started to see more minutes and draw some starts, he has been terrific for a rookie. On the season, Kuminga has averaged just over eight points and three rebounds, which are not eye-popping numbers at all. However, generally, with more minutes and opportunities comes more production, and Kuminga has maximized this concept over his past 11 games. Despite only getting three starts, Kuminga has posted roughly 15 points and five rebounds in that span. While Kuminga is not a flashy play in DFS and is coming off a rough outing against the Dallas Mavericks, he could still help you at the utility spot, especially against this Lakers team that can’t seem to do anything right.

If you are willing to deal with the volatility of DFS output, then you could consider utilizing Steph Curry. This season has been a roller coaster for Steph. One moment, Curry was the lead for the 2021-22 NBA MVP Award, then the next moment, the Warriors are tumbling, and he is playing wildly inconsistent basketball. The good news is that Curry is getting some high volume at times, like his game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 1st, where he had 16 three-point attempts. If you are willing to take a wild ride, then Curry may be a solid play, especially against the Lakers, the worst defense against opposing point guards in the NBA.