The NBA season kicks off Tuesday night and the games couldn't be better. The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors Tuesday evening in a matchup that headlines the beginning of the new NBA season. This west coast rivalry promises to deliver fans the NBA return they have been waiting for. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Lakers-Warriors prediction and pick based on Lakers Warriors odds.
The Lakers fell short last season. After dealing with injuries coming off a shortened offseason this LA team will be healthy and hungry. The Lakers are looking to silence the haters who said their championship was a fluke, and make a statement at home to start the season. The Warriors are seeking to get back to where they used to be. While they may be past their peak, a healthy Warriors squad can compete with the best of the NBA. This is a game you won't want to miss.
Here's how the bookmakers have set the line for Tuesday night's matchup.
NBA Odds: Lakers-Warriors Odds
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Los Angeles Lakers: -3.5 (-115)
Golden State Warriors: +3.5 (-105)
Over 228.5 (-110)
Under 228.5 (-110)
Why The Lakers Could Cover The Spread
The Los Angeles Lakers are playing for a championship this year. They were very active in the offseason and have made some big improvements to their team. This team is built to dominate and will be put on display for the first time Tuesday night.
Headlining the additions to the Lakers is Russell Westbrook. The LA native has been a dominant force in the NBA for years and is seeking the elusive NBA championship. Westbrook should help fill in some of the gaps that were on the team and will serve a crucial role when LeBron is on the bench. The addition of the 2016-17 MVP is a huge one for LA. Factor that into your Lakers Warriors pick.
While the Lakers had a disappointing postseason last year one positive is that they are finally healthy. LeBron has been outspoken about the impact of the shortened offseason last year and credits that to many of the Lakers injuries. Los Angeles is coming off a full offseason and will be healthy for what feels like the first time in a very long while. A Lakers team at full strength can dominate any opponent.
While the team fell short last year they managed to have the second best defense in the league in terms of opposing points per game. LA only allowed 106.8 points per game to opponents. They actually ranked first in overall defensive rating as well. With the added pieces the offense should have no problem getting going, and the defense has already proven to be dominant. The Lakers will be looking to start the season out strong and should be able to take down a lesser Warriors team.
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
The Golden State Warriors used to be without a doubt the best team in the NBA. Since the departure of Kevin Durant they have struggled. While many people will look at KD's exit as the sole reason for this, the Warriors have actually been rather unlucky. Injuries have played a significant role in stunting the Warriors ability to make a playoff run. While they have competed they haven't been serious contenders for a few years now. Golden State will look to return to full health this season and make a playoff push.
Any team that has Stephen Curry on it will be able to compete in games. Curry had a phenomenal 2020. He was averaging a career high 32.1 points per game on 48.2% shooting. He carried an injured Warriors team to an 8th seed spot in the Western Conference. Curry is a competitor of the highest caliber and will look to lead the charge and upset the LA Lakers. Keep this in mind when going over the Lakers Warriors odds.
Alongside Curry is the 2019 addition to the Warriors, Andrew Wiggins. Most people though that Wiggins would remain underwhelming for the rest of his career, but he has truly come into his own in Golden State. Coming off career highs in FG% and 3pt%, Wiggins is playing the most efficient basketball of his career. NBA odds will adjust to that.
If Curry and Wiggins can get going and the Warriors defense can contain LA then they have a real shot to cover. The Warriors are still a good team and will be working hard for an upset victory on the road against the Lakers.
Final Lakers-Warriors Prediction & Pick
While this should be a good game, the Lakers should definitely come out ahead. The main questions around LA will be surrounding the chemistry of this newly put together team. However, the Lakers are definitely the better team overall and should easily be able to cover barring an extraordinary Warriors performance. Pick the Lakers to win and cover, and get ready to watch a fun West Coast battle on Tuesday night.
FINAL PICK: Los Angeles Lakers -3.5 (-115)
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Lakers 120 – Warriors 113
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