The Los Angeles Lakers (31-36) travel to Golden State to play the Warriors (51-16) in what should be a fast-paced game. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 14, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Prediction
The Lakers will be hoping for a similar result after topping the Denver Nuggets in their last game, 112-103. The Lakers held the Nuggets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 11.1 (below their season average of 26.0). The Nuggets also had a turnover percentage of 16.8 (above their season average of 13.2). Kyle Kuzma led the way for Los Angeles, contributing 26 points and 13 rebounds.
In the Warriors’ last matchup, they were beaten by the Minnesota Timberwolves, 109-103. Minnesota’s turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Golden State. The Timberwolves had a rate of 7.9 (better than their season average of 10.9), while the Warriors posted a mark of 11.5. With 39 points on 11-for-32 shooting, Kevin Durant was the top scorer from either team.
There could be a fair amount of transition offense in this battle that features a pair of the league’s more fast-paced teams. Golden State currently ranks fifth in possessions per game (101.3) and Los Angeles is first (103.8).
Los Angeles heads into the contest with records of 31-36 straight up (SU) and 36-30 against the spread (ATS). Lakers games have typically gone over the total (56.1 percent).
Golden State has an outstanding 51-16 SU record, but they are just 27-37-3 ATS. Warriors games have gone over the total 50.7 percent of the time.
A number of players have played at a high level over the last five games for Los Angeles. Averaging 22.4 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game, Julius Randle has led the way. Brook Lopez (21.2 points and 1.2 blocks), Kuzma (14.0 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals), and Isaiah Thomas (16.6 points and 7.2 assists) have also been excellent.
The Warriors have emerged victorious in all three matchups against the Lakers this year, including a 113-106 victory in their last matchup. Golden State was unable to cover as a 12-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 219 points, which was just 3.5 points above the projected point total of 215.5 points. Golden State was effective at getting and making free throws. The Warriors made 22 of their 27 free throws (81.5 percent), while the Lakers were just 15-22 (68.2 percent). Durant was the game’s leading scorer with 33 points.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Warriors, ATS Winner – Warriors, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Los Angeles is 18-16 ATS on the road with 20 overs and 14 unders.
At home, Golden State is 13-18-2 ATS with 17 unders and 16 overs.
When allowing less than 100 points, Golden State is 13-2 and Los Angeles is 11-3.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Lakers are 28-23 and the Warriors are 48-12.
Los Angeles ranks second in second chance points per game (14.7) while Golden State ranks last (10.3).
The Warriors rank first in blocks allowed per game (3.5) while the Lakers rank 26th (5.6).
Los Angeles averages 17.3 fast break points per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Golden State ranks 26th in fast break points allowed per game (13.9).
The Lakers average 52.8 points in the paint per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Warriors rank 23rd in points allowed in the paint per game (47.2).
Los Angeles averages 8.0 steals per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Golden State ranks 28th in steals allowed per game (8.8).
The Warriors rank eighth in points off turnovers per game (17.5) while the Lakers rank 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.6).
Golden State ranks first in assists per game (30.2) while Los Angeles ranks 18th in assists allowed per game (23.5).
The Lakers rank second in rebounds per game (46.5) while the Warriors rank 13th (43.9).
Golden State averages 29.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 12th in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (30.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Golden State is 0-5 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Lakers have outscored opponents by an average of 2.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Los Angeles has lost by an average of 1.3 points.
During their last five games, the Warriors have scored an average of 109.8 points per game (5.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 110.2 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
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