Potential Play-In Preview Pits Division Rivals
Bet on Los Angeles at Home Per the Warriors vs Lakers Game Odds
The Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors in a crucial game in the Western Conference playoffs. The two are currently ninth and 10th, respectively, in the West standings, so if the season ended today, this would be a play-in tournament game with the loser being done for the season.
The Lakers lead the Warriors by 1.5 games for the ninth spot, which would host that Play-In Tournament game. Los Angeles is also trying to move up to avoid the single-elimination play-in game, trailing the eighth-place Sacramento Kings by just a half-game heading into Tuesday night.
Los Angeles had its four-game winning streak snapped with a Sunday loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves while the Warriors are coming off a win over the Utah Jazz.
The Warriors vs Lakers game odds have Los Angeles as a 2.5-point favorite in this NBA game. You can also bet the moneyline and get -145 odds on the hosts, the Lakers. Golden State is listed at +125 for a moneyline wager. The over/under (total) is set at 235.5 points.
Warriors vs Lakers 
Records: Golden State Warriors (43-35), Los Angeles Lakers (45-34)
Day/Time:
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, Calif.
Streaming: TNT
Warriors Trying To Make Late Push
Just a week ago, the Warriors were in danger of dropping out of the play-in tournament. But they fought off a challenge from the Houston Rockets and clinched a spot in the top 10 of the West standings.
Still, Golden State would like to improve its NBA title odds with wins in its last three regular-season games. It could host a play-in tournament contest rather than play on the road.
The team is looking to guard Stephen Curry to lead the charge. He’s been able to do that this NBA season against the Lakers.
In three games against Los Angeles, Curry is averaging 36.3 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.0 steals while shooting 40.9% from 3-point range. He’s also going to be well-rested for this game after sitting out on Sunday.
Can Lakers Find Some Lineup Consistency?
The Lakers looked like they were ready to host a play-in tournament game. They moved into eighth place with a win on Saturday. But LeBron James sat out Sunday’s contest with flu-like symptoms and they lost to Minnesota.
James is supposedly healthy for this one, and the Lakers need his 25.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game to be at their best.
Forward Anthony Davis (24.5 points, 12.6 rebounds, 2.4 blocks) is listed as questionable with an eye NBA injury. Davis has been able to play 74 games this season, his most since the 2017-18 season when he was still with New Orleans. The Lakers’ NBA power rankings spot has been hurt because of the uncertainty of his and James’s statuses.
Guard DeAngelo Russell is another key cog for the Lakers. He averages 18.2 points and 6.3 assists while shooting 41.9% from 3-point range. When he’s hot, Los Angeles is a much more dangerous team.
Lakers Eke Out Tight Victory
These are two veteran clubs that realize how important it would be to get some extra rest by playing at home in the play-in tournament. The Lakers, especially, will also be watching others’ NBA scoreboards to try to improve their standing.
Assuming James and Davis can go, we like the Lakers to come out on top though it will be close. Los Angeles is playing at home, which will be a major factor. Taking the over is a safe bet as well. The winner of the three games between these NBA teams this season has scored 128+ points each time.
For more Warriors vs Lakers game odds, NBA news, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
