Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Preview (5/4/23): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds

 

After a shocking Lakers road win in Game 1, the Golden State Warriors will try to even the series at 1-1 in Game 2. The Warriors have been excellent in the Chase Center all season and have not lost back-to-back games at home since January.

Take a look at our in-depth analysis below, featuring our game predictions, betting picks, current betting odds, updated injury news, and starting lineups for both teams!

Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Odds

Golden State is a 6.5-point home favorite despite losing Game 1 to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Warriors should have everyone available except for Andre Iguodala and Ryan Rollins. Rookie forward Patrick Baldwin Jr will be a game-time decision; however, he does not usually crack the rotation.

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers only have Mo Bamba listed as questionable on the injury report, indicating an otherwise completely healthy rotation.

Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Golden State Warriors Prediction

Interestingly enough, Golden State didn’t have home-court advantage in the first round but does in the second round, similar to the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference. Or, at least, it did have home-court advantage before dropping Game 1 at home against the Lakers. Golden State has been one of the best home teams in the league this season (33-8 in the regular season), so it was surprising to see it drop a potential “statement” game to LA. However, the Warriors can’t be completely to blame, as Anthony Davis put together a historic game, posting a 30/23/5/5 line.

Ultimately, the Warriors have championship pedigree and DNA and know how to secure crucial wins; Game 7 on the road against the Kings was a prime example of that. Golden State will have a much better game plan for Anthony Davis in Game 2 and should continue to wear down the Lakers’ backcourt, which is not necessarily used to chasing around guards and fighting over every screen.

Additionally, the Lakers continue to struggle shooting from behind the arc, which is going to be a huge problem when Golden State decides to go under every screen and pack the paint. Also, Golden State fared relatively well on the glass against a bigger Lakers team in Game 1, which will be paramount to winning the series. If the Dubs limit their fouls and second-chance points for Los Angeles, they should have no issue grabbing a Game 2 win.

Betting Trends

  • Los Angeles is 5-2 ATS in the 2023 playoffs
  • Golden State is 3-5 ATS in the 2023 playoffs
  • The combined over record on the point total of these two teams is 7-8 in the 2023 playoffs

Key Matchups

Our key matchup of this Game 2 clash will be between Kevon Looney and Anthony Davis. Can Looney hold AD to a lesser scoring output in Game 2, or will Davis continue to dominate this undersized Warriors backcourt? Check it out below!

Kevon Looney vs. Anthony Davis

Despite grabbing a career-high 23 rebounds, dishing out five assists, and scoring ten points, Kevon Looney was still outplayed by Anthony Davis. Davis dominated not only offensively but defensively, too, recording five blocks. Further, he posted 30 points, 23 rebounds, and five assists, putting together an all-time great playoff performance. Will he be able to do it again in Game 2?

While Davis will always have a positive impact when he is on the floor, he has shown he can be contained at times during the postseason, including in Games 2 and 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies.

As far as coaching goes, few coaches make stronger adjustments in playoff series than Steve Kerr, who is 19-0 in playoff series in the Western Conference. We may never see anything that incredible ever again. Kerr should make the necessary adjustments on Davis to at least mitigate his impact offensively. Further, Looney knows what to expect now: greatness. We will give a slight advantage to Looney in this spot.

Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup

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

Golden State Warriors Starting Lineups

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

Key Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers Injuries: Mo Bamba (Q)

Golden State Warriors Injuries: Andre Iguodala (Out), Ryan Rollins (Out), Patrick Baldwin Jr (Q)

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Drew is one of the NBA Lead Writers at Lineups.com, specializing in betting content such as game predictions and player props. With a deep knowledge of players and prospects, Drew has an extensive edge in covering everything NBA.

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