Lakers vs Warriors: Tips, Odds, and Match Preview

The Lakers enter Thursday’s slate in a solid position in the standings. They are in third place in the Western Conference with a 46-29 record and are coming off a 104-98 win over Houston Rockets in their most recent contest on Monday. Winners of three of the last four, the Lakers are aiming to end the season on a strong note and are looking to make a push for second place in the standings.

The Warriors, however, won’t be an easy opponent since they’re also playing at a high level and have won three in a row following their 134-125 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Golden State sits 2.0 games behind the Lakers in the standings, so this game could have huge playoff implications with the postseason right around the corner.

Can The Lakers Catch Houston?

The Oklahoma City Thunder already clinched the top seed in the Western Conference, but the Lakers still have an outside shot at finishing in second place. For that to happen, though, a win here is mandatory, and they’d also have to wait for the Rockets to drop a game or two. Los Angeles should feel confident about its chances of playing at home, though, as the Lakers have gone 29-9 at Crypto.com Arena this season.

The Lakers could also be on the verge of completing the regular-season sweep of the Warriors if they win in this matchup, although the games between these two teams have been close. Two of them have been decided by single digits. The spread is minimal, though, and don’t be surprised if the Lakers cover it. The -3.5 spread is a solid play (2.13 @BC.Game).

Los Angeles Lakers Injury & Suspension News

The Lakers should be close to full strength in this contest since they are listing LeBron James (groin) as probable. Maxi Kleber (foot) is out, but the big man is not expected to return in the regular season. All their other players are available.

Curry and Green Carrying Golden State

Few players in The Association can take over games single-handedly as Stephen Curry does, and the star guard delivered an epic performance Tuesday against the Memphis Grizzlies after scoring 52 points. The Warriors are on a roll with three wins in a row, but if they’re going to win over the Lakers, they can’t rely solely on Curry.

The Lakers are a well-oiled machine, led by the star duo of James and Luka Doncic, so the Warriors need to be at their best on the defensive end of the court. Limiting the Lakers’ offensive arsenal will be pivotal, and Draymond Green will play a pivotal role there. Regarding player props, Green’s over 1.5 steals is priced at 2.21 and over 0.5 blocks pays 1.59, both at Stake.

Golden State Warriors Injury & Suspension News

The Warriors will be close to full strength for this contest. Jonathan Kuminga (pelvis) is a game-time decision and has been listed as questionable in the official injury report. Gary Payton II (thumb) is out.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Prediction

The Lakers will go for the season sweep against the Warriors knowing that they’ve been one of the best teams in the league at home this season. The Warriors have what it takes to make this a competitive game, but in the end, the Lakers should win and are likely to cover the -2.5 spread. They’ve done that in the previous three games vs. Golden State this season.

CryptoGamba tip: Lakers (-2.5) – 1.98 @Stake.