- Get NBA picks and analysis for Warriors vs. Lakers.
- Golden State is a 2.5-point favorite to win Tuesdayโs opener.
For the nightcap of the doubleheader on NBA opening night, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena on Peacock.
NBA fans wonโt be treated to a Stephen Curry vs. LeBron James matchup to begin the season. James is sidelined with a back injury, causing the line to shift from Los Angeles as a home favorite to Golden State as the favored road team.
My Warriors vs. Lakers prediction is based on the line movement.
Warriors vs. Lakers Prediction: NBA Opening Night
- Warriors moneyline (-130) – Pick made Oct. 20
My favorite Warriors vs. Lakers prediction is Golden Stateโs moneyline (-130) in the season opener on Tuesday at Crypto.com Arena.
To be honest, I wish I had jumped on this earlier, before the line movement. But I think Iโm getting ahead of some late steam before tipoff on a team flying a bit under the radar before the season.
I took a flier on Steve Kerr as an NBA Coach of the Year odds long shot at 80/1, as the Warriors could be a surprising challenger near the top of the Western Conference. Golden State went 23-8 after trading for Jimmy Butler last February, ranking third in the league in net rating over that span.
There seems to be some belief that the Warriors were a bit lucky down the stretch, but I believe in the upside they demonstrated. Golden State was first in defensive rating over the final 31 games and led the league in free throws per game after Butler joined the lineup.
The last part could help mitigate one of the Lakersโ most significant advantages. Los Angeles finished second in free-throw differential last year.
Iโm excited to see what skinny Luka Donฤiฤ looks like on opening night, but the Lakers are a top-heavy team playing without their second-best player. They also ranked 17th in defensive rating last year, and a lot of their success came from Jamesโ ability as a help defender.
I expect this line to continue moving toward the Warriors ahead of tipoff, so Iโm grabbing it before itโs too late.
Prediction: Warriors moneyline (-130)
Warriors vs. Lakers Odds: Tuesday, Oct. 21
- Warriors spread: -2.5
- Lakers spread: +2.5
- Total: 227.5
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The content provided in this blog is intended for entertainment purposes only. All views and opinions expressed are the authors and reflect their individual perspectives on sports, betting, and related topics. This content should not be considered professional betting advice or the official views of BetMGM LLC. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know is experiencing issues related to gambling, seek help from a licensed health professional. This blog is not liable for any losses, damages, or consequences resulting from betting activities.
