Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (5/8/23)

The Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals. My prediction is that the Golden State Warriors cover the 2.5-point spread despite it being on the road. The Lakers have been very good utilizing their size, but the Warriors have been very good in responding in these playoffs, especially from with their shooting from three-point range. 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 Warriors have been a little inconsistent in these playoffs, but have still showed they are the defending champions when they needed to.

Steph Curry still makes this team go and he’s been nothing short of great in the playoffs for the Warriors. He leads the team in scoring at 31 PPG and then is second in assists at 5 per game too. Klay Thompson is up next in scoring and averages 21 PPG. He’s still a splash brother and can get hot at any time. Andrew Wiggins and Jordan Poole are next up after those two and have been two big keys. Wiggins averages 17 PPG and leads the team in blocks at 1.5 per game, while Poole is averaging 12 PPG in the postseason.

The Warriors have been great on offense this postseason and they are 4th in scoring at 116.7 PPG and 6th in point differential at +2.6. They are also 2nd in rebounding at 47.7 per game and 5th in blocks at 5 per game.

On the other side, the Lakers have been great at times, but have also been very inconsistent this postseason.

The Lakers have gone as LeBron James goes this postseason, despite his age. He leads the team in scoring at 22 PPG and is second in assists at 5 per game. Anthony Davis is up next and has been their biggest key in the postseason because when he’s playing well the Lakers have won, while they’ve lost when he’s struggled. He averages 21 PPG and leads the team in rebounding at 14 per game, in steals at 1 per game, and in blocks at 4 per game. D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves are up next in scoring in the backcourt. Russell averages 17 PPG and leads the team in assists at 6 per game, while Reaves averages 14 PPG too in the postseason.

The Lakers have really stepped up a lot on defense this postseason. They are first in defensive rating at 105.5, 6th in scoring defense at 107.1 PPG, first in rebounding at 48.9 per game, and first in blocks at 8.5 per game. They’re also 4th in point differential at +4.1.

The Lakers dominated last game, so expect the Warriors to come out more energized. The Warriors should win a very close game on the road, and go back to San Francisco with the series tied at 2-2.

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds

The Los Angeles Lakers are 2.5-point home favorites against the Golden State Warriors and are at -140 on the money line. The over/under is also at 227.5. The Lakers being favored makes sense because they’re at home and they played very well in their last game against the Warriors and won in a blowout. The over/under also makes sense because each team is top-10 in the postseason in scoring. This spread should also stay where it’s at before tip-off.

Betting Trends

Warriors are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS loss.

Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games.

Key Matchups

Can D’Angelo Russell matchup with Steph Curry? Can Andrew Wiggins matchup with LeBron James?

Steph Curry vs. D’Angelo Russell

Steph Curry has been incredible in these playoffs. He averages 31 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. He’ll be matched up against D’Angelo Russell most of the game, who averages 17 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds per game. Russell has been very good for the Lakers, but Curry should win this matchup and is the biggest reason why the Warriors should cover this spread.

LeBron James vs. Andrew Wiggins

LeBron James has been great this postseason. He averages 22 points, 5 assists, and 10 rebounds per game. He’ll be matched up against Andrew Wiggins most of the game, who averages 17 points, 2 assists, and 6 rebounds per game. James should have a big advantage against Wiggins in this matchup, but the Warriors should still get back on track in this game to cover the spread at least.

Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup

PG: Stephen Curry
SG: Klay Thompson
SF: Andrew Wiggins
PF: Draymond Green
C: Kevon Looney

Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineups

PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: LeBron James
PF: Jarred Vanderbilt
C: Anthony Davis

Key Injuries

Golden State Warriors Injuries: PF Patrick Baldwin Jr. (Toe) O, SF Andre Iguodala (Wrist) O

Los Angeles Lakers Injuries: SF LeBron James (Foot) P, PF Anthony Davis (Foot) P