Lakers vs. Warriors prediction, odds, pick, spread

The Los Angeles Lakers will face Golden State Warriors on Saturday in San Francisco. It will be a Pacific Division showdown at Oracle Arena as we continue our NBA odds series and make a Lakers-Warriors prediction and pick.

The Lakers lead the head-to-head series 263-176. However, the Lakers and Warriors have split their last 10 games and are 3-2 in their last five games at Oracle. These teams had a Christmas classic as the Lakers beat the Warriors 115-113 with a buzzer-beater by Austin Reeves. The last three victories of the Lakers in San Francisco brought a total of nine points.

Here’s Lakers-Warriors NBA oddscourtesy of FanDuel.

NBA odds: Lakers-Warriors odds

Los Angeles Lakers: +1 (-110)

Moneilines: -102

Golden State Warriors: -1 (-110)

Moneilines: -116

Over: 221.5 (-112)

Under: 221.5 (-108)

How to watch Lakers vs. Warriors

Time: 8:30 PM ET/5:30 PM PT

TV: ABC

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Why the Lakers could cover the spread/win

The Lakers just destroyed the Celtics on Thursday and kept their spot in the Western Conference, sitting in fifth place. Even though they played steady basketball, they still could needed center at the trade deadline.

When the Lakers beat the Warriors, they held a steady eight-point lead after the third quarter. They then stopped the rally and finished off the Warriors with a simple layup from Reaves.

LeBron James led the Lakers with 31 points and 10 assists while shooting 12 for 22. Meanwhile, Reaves finished with a triple-double, finishing with 26 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists while shooting 8 for 20, including 4 for 10. from the lines in three points. Rui Hachimura scored 18 points while shooting 6-for-12 from the floor, including 5-for-7 from 3-point range. Also, Max Christie had 16 points. Anthony Davis left that game early with an injury. Because of that, the Lakers needed more work from others, including Dalton Knecht, who scored 13 points.

The Lakers shot 45.1 percent from the floor, including 35.7 percent from beyond the arc. Remarkably, the Lakers hit 100 percent (18 for 18) of their free throws. Despite losing the battle on the boards 44-41, the Lakers still managed to win this game. They had six steals and blocked four shots. They also reduced their turnovers as they had nine turnovers. Shooting the basketball well and reducing mental mistakes paid off in this game.

The Lakers will cover the upside if James, Reaves and Davis can continue to shoot the rock well with the help of their bench. Next, they must win the battle on the boards to prevent the Warriors from getting more scoring chances.

Why the Warriors might cover the spread/win

The Warriors just lost Kevin Looney and they are already incredibly broken. Unfortunately, things have been tough for the Warriors as they are currently 22-22 and out of the playoff spot by 1/2 game behind the Phoenix Suns. While they have a chance to take that spot, the Warriors have work to do and will need to use every player they have to get the job done.

When the Warriors met the Lakers on Christmas Day, they had numerous chances to win. Incredibly, Stephen Curry led the way with 38 points while shooting 14 for 24 from the floor. Andrew Wiggins added 21 points and 12 rebounds while shooting 8 for 19 from the field. Likewise, Jonathan Kuminga had 14 points off the bench. The offense needs to hold on to the rock better. Unfortunately, they turned the ball over 12 times in the loss to the Lakers.

The Warriors shot 46.1 percent from the floor, including 40 percent from beyond the arc. Moreover, they won the battle 44-41, including 12 offensive rebounds. But the Warriors weren’t opportunistic enough, grabbing just two steals. The Warriors also blocked eight shots.

The Warriors will cover the spread if Curry and Wiggins can continue to shoot the ball well, and Kuminga can add some firepower as the team shoots the ball well and wins the battle on the boards. Then, they have to contain James and Davis and force them both to take bad shots.

Final prediction and selection of Lakers-Warriors

The Lakers are 21-21 against the spread, while the Warriors are 21-22-1 against the spread. Furthermore, the Lakers are 8-12 against the spread on the road, while the Warriors are 10-13 against the spread at home. The Lakers are 7-2 against the spread against the Pacific Division, while the Warriors are 1-7 against the spread when facing the Pacific.

I expect this to be a close game. Somehow, the Lakers and Warriors always play tough games in San Francisco. It will be a game of thin margins. Because of that, I expect this game to go down and the Lakers will do enough to cover on the road against the Warriors.

Final Lakers-Warriors Prediction and Pick: Los Angeles Lakers: +1 (-110)