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The struggling Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors on ABC tonight! It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Warriors-Lakers prediction and pick.
The Lakers aren't the only ones struggling at the moment as the Warriors have lost six of their last eight games. Golden State was off to a phenomenal start to the season but the long season is catching up to them. They still are the 2nd seed in the Western Conference with a (43-20) record. The Warriors fell to the Dallas Mavericks last time out 122-113.
Los Angeles just can't get it together right now. It's been a miserable start to the 2022 year as they continue to lose games. They are (27-35) on the season now and are the 9-seed in the West. If they don't string up a few wins in a row then they could potentially fall out of a play-in spot. Portland is just two games behind as the 11-seed.
Here are the Warriors-Lakers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Warriors-Lakers Odds
Golden State Warriors: -6 (-110)
Los Angeles Lakers: +6 (-110)
Over: 228 (-110)
Under: 228 (-110)
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Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
Even though the Warriors aren't playing well right now, they are still playing better than the Lakers. The defense needs to step up, however, as they are giving up well over 100 points per game to their opponents. Golden State came into the last few games giving up the second-least amount of points on the season as the Cleveland Cavaliers were the only team allowing fewer points per game. Now, Golden State can't seem to stop opponents but a major reason for that is the absence of Draymond Green and James Wiseman. Once those two return for the Dubs, then they should get back on track just in time for the playoffs. The Warriors just allowed 41 to Luka Doncic last time out so they need to make sure Lebron doesn't go off for a similar outing.
Klay Thompson shot just 2-8 from three against Dallas and that is something that will improve. If he shoots just a little better than that mark tonight then the Warriors will be in a good position to cover this spread. They come into this game as the favorites on the road and that is the right call. Golden State is (17-13) on the road as they play far better at home. The Lakers are (18-16) at home as they play way better there than on the road where they are (9-19).
Why The Lakers Could Cover The Spread
LA clearly will need to contain Steph Curry and Thompson tonight. Klay has been off lately but Curry remains at the top of his game. The Mavs did a great job of making sure he didn't continue to shoot the three-ball because he finished 4-5. Usually, we see Steph attempt more than just five shots if he makes four of them. Anyway, the Mavs got the best of the Warriors and the Lakers need to follow that same game plan. Russell Westbrook needs to really step up tonight and defend Curry. The problem right now is the Lakers can't defend anyone. They just got blown out by the Los Angeles Clippers who swept the Lakers on the season. It was a horrific second half by the Lakers and that performance gives you zero reason to want to bet on them in the future.
If you are going to consider betting on LA at any point for the rest of this season, then you have guts. LA doesn't seem to care outside of the best player on the planet. You would think the rest of the team would elevate their game but that hasn't been the case at all lately. With Anthony Davis out and Westbrook playing poorly, the Lakers will need to seriously flip a switch if they want to cover this spread. Reggie Jackson just went off for 36 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds on them so if he can do that then really anyone can. That's not a knock of Jackson, that's just saying the Lakers' defense is awful.
Final Warriors-Lakers Prediction & Pick
I believe Lebron will continue to do what it takes to keep the Lakers in this game. And for his sake, I hope they do. But I gotta assume the Warriors can find a way to win this game by at least seven.
Final Warriors-Lakers Prediction & Pick: Warriors -6 (-110)
