The Los Angeles Lakers (30-26) travel to the Golden State Warriors (27-26) in what should be a good game. Although a key player is out, these two teams always put on a show. Their last game occurred nearly a month ago and ended in a double-overtime thriller. Although that’s not too likely this time around, these sides go at each other and know how to exploit matchups in their favor.
Additionally, both come in something of a hot streak. The visitors look to nab a fourth win in a row tonight. Meanwhile, the hosts are 8-2 in their last ten games. But this game maintains larger implications. Only 1.5 games separate the two sides. Currently, they sit in the 9th and 10th positions in the West respectively.
Do you see the home team getting a comfortable win tonight?
Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +6 -108 |
O 243 -105 |
+190 |
| Golden State Warriors | -6 -112 |
U 243 -115 |
-230 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors
Date And Time: February 22, 2024 @ 10:00 p.m. EST
Location: Chase Center in San Francisco, California
Key Stats
Los Angeles Lakers (Averages)
Points: 117.0
Points Allowed: 117.1
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.2/87.5 for 49.4%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.4/30.7 for 37.0%
Free Throw Efficiency: 19.2/24.7 for 77.5%
Rebounds: 8.2 Offensive, 34.5 Defensive, 42.7 Combined
Assists: 28.5
Steals: 7.9
Blocks: 5.6
Turnovers: 13.3
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.0/93.1 for 47.2%
Three-Point Efficiency Against:14.1/37.8 for 37.4%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 15.1/18.9 for 79.6%
Rebounds Against:10.9 Offensive, 33.5 Defensive, 44.4 Combined
Los Angeles needs to win. They sit 3.5 games back of the 6th spot in the West. But they can’t afford to drop games. Additionally, a loss tonight allows the Warriors to creep a little closer. While the play-in remains likely, completely falling out also remains open. The Los Angeles Lakers cannot afford to drop games like tonight. Moving forward these are the exact type of games that they need to win, with or without James on the court.
Anthony Davis is the best defensive player of this universe .
— KF (@klutchfamilia) February 20, 2024
The Los Angeles Lakers will be without LeBron James is dealing with an injury. While this rest is likely precautionary, Anthony Davis needs to step up. We see Davis able to increase his responsibility when James is forced to miss games. But the Lakers hope that he does so on a more consistent basis. But for tonight, he should have his way against the Warriors front court. They are playing against an older roster tonight that has questions remaining of their own.
Golden State Warriors (Averages)
Points: 119.7
Points Allowed: 118.2
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.6/91.9 for 47.4%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 15.1/39.8 for 38.1%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.4/22.1 for 78.7%
Rebounds: 12.4 Offensive, 34.3 Defensive, 46.6 Combined
Assists: 29.0
Steals: 6.7
Blocks: 4.1
Turnovers: 13.8
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 42.7/90.7 for 47.1%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.1/36.7 for 35.8%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 19.6/24.5 for 80.1%
Rebounds Against:10.8 Offensive, 32.1 Defensive, 42.9 Combined
Golden State looks to keep its momentum up. Although they had a slow start, this team has been reeling since before the All-Star Break. But legitimate concerns remain with this roster. This is a veteran-heavy group that has some nice younger pieces. But without a doubt, the brunt of responsibility falls on the Splash brothers and other former All-Stars. People counted them out before, but they hope to have at least one more good run in them.
26 PTS | 11-19 FGM-A
Klay Thompson had himself a night ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/dB6nf4N7T9
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 13, 2024
The game against the Los Angeles Lakers is a test. Notably, Steph Curry needs to carry this team on a nightly basis. However, the miles and starting to pile up. It’s questionable if he can keep up this effort throughout the rest of the year. Additionally, Klay Thompson needs to embrace his new role on the bench. While he erupted for a great scoring performance in his first reserve role shift, this needs to be his place moving forward in the season. There’s also the lingering concern of when Draymond Green is going to do something that may warrant a technical or a suspension.
Game Prediction
Even though the oddsmakers pick the home team to comfortably win, I like the Los Angeles Lakers covering tonight. Although they lack James, this team can step up and has played well in spurts without James. Additionally, this bodes well for a throwback Davis night. This is a game in which he dominates the paint on both ends of the court. Especially with the surrounding noise within the Warriors, I see them overlooking the Lakers without James.
Furthermore, the total is too high. While both teams focus more on offense, I see the defenses doing enough to through each other off. You can expect this to be a slower and uglier game than what we’ve been used to seeing. Especially if the Los Angeles Lakers elect to play mostly through Davis, expect low-scoring totals.
Final Pick
Los Angeles Lakers +6 and Under 243
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
