Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (2/23/23)
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The Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Lakers in a Western Conference clash. The Warriors lost to the Clippers before the All-Star break and the Lakers are coming off a comfortable win against the Pelicans before the break. This matchup should be interesting because both teams need to finish the season well to be safely in the playoffs. let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
The pick: Los Angeles Lakers -5
The Los Angeles Lakers had a huge makeover for their team at the trade deadline and made a lot of upgrades for a stretch run to the playoffs.
LeBron James is still the best player on the Lakers and leads them in almost every statistical category. He leads them in scoring, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game for the season. He’s playing some of the best basketball of his career at 38. Anthony Davis is the second star for the Lakers, but just needs to stay healthy for the Lakers to be even better. D’Angelo Russell and Lonnie Walker IV have also stepped up well from the guard spot when needed for the Lakers.
As a team, the Lakers excel more on offense than on defense. The Lakers are top-10 in points scored and field goal percentage. They’re also top five in rebounds per game for the season at 45.3.
On the other side, the Warriors have been littered with injuries this season, and haven’t been able to find consistency just yet.
Stephen Curry is still injured and will be out another few weeks. Klay Thompson is the main scorer for the Warriors without him and Jordan Poole has stepped up too. Look for Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green to step up more with rebounding and defense too.
As a team, the Warriors excel more on offense than on defense. They are top five in scoring at 118.6 points per game for the season. They can score almost at will on offense.
The Lakers come into this game healthier than the Warriors and are at home. They are the play here to cover because they have new fresh blood on the roster that should re-energize them against the defending champions.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds
The Los Angeles Lakers are 5-point home favorites against the Golden State Warriors and are at -180 on the money line. The over/under is also at 238.5. The Lakers being favored by this much makes sense because they’re at home and are playing much better after the trade deadline. They’re also healthier than the Warriors are too. The over/under makes sense because each teams excels the most on defense. This spread should stay where it’s at before tip-off too.
Betting Trends
Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games playing on 3 or more days rest.
Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
Key Matchups
Can Draymond Green match up with LeBron James? Can Malik Beasley matchup with Klay Thompson?
LeBron James vs. Draymond Green
LeBron James is playing like his old age doesn’t matter. He averages 30 points, 7 assists, and 8 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Draymond Green most of the game, who averages 8 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds per game for the season. Green is very good defensively, but LeBron James is playing lights out on the offensive end. This will be a big matchup for determining who wins the game because of how much LeBron does for Lakers in general.
Klay Thompson vs. Malik Beasley
Klay Thompson has been very good for the Warriors this year. He averages 21 points, 3 assists, and 4 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Malik Beasley most of the game, who averages 13 points, 2 assists, and 4 rebounds per game for the season. Klay Thompson has been shooting lights out recently, but Beasley is a very good defender. This is a big matchup because of how much offense Klay Thompson can create for the Warriors without Stephen Curry.
Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup
PG: Jordan Poole
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Andrew Wiggins
PF: Draymond Green
C: Kevon Looney
Los Angles Lakers Starting Lineup
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Malik Beasley
SF: Jarred Vanderbilt
PF: LeBron James
C: Anthony Davis
Key Injuries
Golden State Warriors Injuries: PG Stephen Curry (Leg) O, PG Gary Payton II (Abdominal) O
Los Angeles Lakers Injuries: None
