Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview/Prop Picks

The Golden State Warriors have lost three straight games leading to this one. Although they still hold the No.2 spot in the Western Conference, the Grizzlies are quickly approaching. The Warriors need to get a win on the road here against the Lakers.

The good news for Golden State is Los Angeles is struggling as well. Can the Warriors capitalize on the Lakers' shortcomings?

The Los Angeles Lakers have lost four games in a row after the loss to the Clippers. They've fallen to the ninth-place position in the Western Conference as of today. A win over the Warriors could help them start to climb back up in the conference.

Both teams could be without some key guys on Saturday. The question is, who should you take at the sportsbook to cover the spread?

Golden State Warriors: Gary Payton II out for tonight's game

More players have been added to the Golden State Warriors injury list. The latest player added is Gary Payton II, who will be out along with Draymond Green tonight. With so many of their key players sidelined, it could be tough for them to cover the spread.

It's apparent that they're struggling without these guys. So, how can the Warriors get a win over Los Angeles today?

The Warriors need to find ways to stretch the floor against the Lakers tonight. They have the tenth-best offense in the NBA, averaging 110.89 points per game. From the three-point line, they're shooting 36.11%, much better than the Lakers.

Considering their best interior players are out, they need to score from the outside. If they can do this, they can secure a win over LA.

Los Angeles Lakers: Team Chemistry needs to be addressed

If the Lakers want any chance at entering the playoffs, they'll need to play together as a team. The only way they can start doing this is if they address the problem with the team chemistry.

This is something they've struggled with the entire season, and it's only getting worse. In their last game, the Lakers lost 132-111, one of their worst performances of the entire season.

In this game, they have a slight advantage over the Warriors. With the Warriors missing Draymond Green, the interior is significantly weakened. If LeBron James is cleared to play, he can work inside and score in the paint.

This is the same way plenty of teams has beat the Warriors. The Lakers also come in as pretty significant underdogs, so let's make our pick.

Our pick for the Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Lakers

The Golden State Warriors have gone 1-8 against the spread over their last nine games. In their last nine games against the Lakers, they're 3-6.

With so many players sidelined for the Warriors, the best pick here is the Los Angeles Lakers. This is especially true because Draymond Green is still sidelined. 

Los Angeles comes in as pretty significant underdogs here, giving them the chance to cover. They haven't been exactly good against the spread, but they're getting Avery Bradley back today.

With Bradley back in the lineup, some of the team chemistry should return. Take the Lakers (+6) at home to keep it within the spread with the total going OVER.

DunkelIndex Free Pick: Los Angeles Lakers (+6), OVER

Prop Picks

LA Lakers (-110) OVER 109.5 Points

LA is averaging 110.4 points per game on offense, which ranks No. 13 in the league. That average increases to 111.4 points per game at home. Scores have gone OVER in six of the Lakers’ last eight games as an underdog.

With Dunkel predicting a Golden State victory by the score of 115-112, take the Lakers (-120) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 109.5 points against the Warriors.

LeBron James (-115) OVER 29.5 Points

James is averaging 28.8 points per game, which ranks No. 3 in the league. That average increases to 29.4 points per game at home. In his two games against Golden State this season, James has averaged 30.0 points.

With Dunkel predicting the Lakers’ offense going over their team total of 109.5 points, take James(-115) to lead the way and go OVER his Vegas total of 29.5 points against the Warriors.

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