As we speak the TV networks are likely still on a bender after getting the result that did not seem possible for most of the season: a LeBron James led Lakers taking on Stephen Curry and the dynastic Warriors in a playoff series.
With all the offensive highlights these stars and their teams have over the year, this could be a game and possibly series where the defenses dictate the terms.
Lakers vs. Warriors Betting Odds
| Lakers | Warriors | |
| Spread | +4.5 (-106) | -4.5 (-110) |
| Moneyline | +164 | -180 |
| Over/Under | o227.5 (-110) | u228 (-110) |
Lines and odds are accurate at the time of publication.
Lakers vs. Warriors Best Bets
Lakers-Warriors Under 228 (-110, DraftKings)
In their first round series, Lakers games averaged a total of 216.9 and Warriors games averaged 229.6. The Lakers are facing an improved offense versus the first round and for the Warriors, the Kings were the best regular season offense in the NBA. In terms of offensive talent, the assignment should be easier for the Warriors.
Both of these teams have been good defenses in the first round. The Lakers have been the best defense in the NBA since the trade deadline and they have the rest advantage on Golden State. Their effort in rotations and assignment specific responsibilities should be more advanced than the Warriors, who have only had one day off after closing out the Kings.
On the season, the Warriors were the third best defense at home and with as good as the Lakers have been overall defensively, both offenses will need to be close to their peaks to reach this total. On the Warriors side, Stephen Curry’s 50 point game was amazing but it was necessary because Klay Thompson and Andrew Wiggins combined to go 9-35 in Game 7. Having a floor that low on who should be the second and third scorers means having lower outcomes more in play. For the Lakers, the question has been who the third scorer will be after James and Davis. D’Angelo Russell filled that role in spurts but the matchup is not good for him. Russell is not comfortable against switches and the numbers show it. Memphis did not switch much against Russell and paid for it.
In three post-deadline matchups, these teams went under this total twice while the three matchups averaged 221.7 points. Golden State will need to attempt to get Anthony Davis involved in the actions to keep him away from being able to roam. With the quick turn around, that may be more of a job for after seeing Game 1. LeBron James teams are 4-14 straight up in road Game 1s, so it is likely the best version of the Lakers will not be seen in Game 1 either. This all leads to the under being more likely to hit.
Risk: 1.1 units on DraftKings to win 1 unit.
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