Los Angeles Lakers (30-26) vs. Golden State Warriors (27-26)
The Los Angeles Lakers will face off against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, February 22nd at 10:00 PM ET at the Chase Center. Both teams have been inconsistent this season but will be looking to gain momentum with the playoffs around the corner. This matchup features some of the best betting websites for NBA action between LeBron James’ Lakers and Stephen Curry’s Warriors.
The Lakers have battled injuries all season, but have found their rhythm of late, winning 6 of their last 7 contests. They are scoring 117 points per game on solid 49.4% shooting. Anthony Davis is carrying the load, nearly averaging a 25-point, 12-rebound double-double. However, with LeBron James missing significant time, LA will need consistent production from its role players. Their 42.7 rebounds per game (8.2 offensive) could give this team an edge against smaller opponents.
The Warriors came into the season with championship aspirations but have failed to find consistency, resulting in a disappointing 27-26 record. However, led by Stephen Curry’s 28 points and 5 assists per night, the offense continues to click, averaging a potent 119.7 points on 47.4% shooting. Andrew Wiggins and Klay Thompson have provided valuable secondary scoring, combining for over 35 points per game. The Warriors’ small-ball approach has unlocked more offensive firepower, but sometimes results in defensive struggles, allowing 46.6 rebounds (12.4 offensive) and 20.6 fouls per contest
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Game Info
When: | Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 10:00 PM ET |
Where: | Chase Center |
TV: | TNT |
Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Anthony Davis (PF) vs. Stephen Curry (PG)
Anthony Davis continues to perform at an elite level this season, averaging close to 25 points and 12 rebounds per game. He is an exceptional rebounder, pulling down 12 boards per contest, including 3 offensive rebounds. Davis is also an adept passer for a big man, dishing out nearly 4 assists while maintaining an excellent 1.9 assist-to-turnover ratio. Defensively, Davis alters and blocks shots at an All-Defensive Team level, sending back 2.5 shots per game. He will look to impose his will in the paint against the smaller Warriors lineup.
Stephen Curry maintains his superstar production this season, leading the Warriors with 28 points per game on elite shooting splits. In addition to his scoring, Curry facilitates the offense brilliantly, averaging 5 assists per game with a stellar 1.7 assist-to-turnover ratio. Though not a high-volume rebounder, Curry chips in on the glass and makes an effort defensively with nearly a steal per game. He will be the focal point of the Warriors’ attack and will aim to bombard the Lakers from three-point range all night.
This marquee matchup pits an unstoppable force against an immovable object. If Davis can establish deep position and avoid Golden State’s pesky double teams, he should be able to overpower their small-ball lineups inside. But if Curry comes out bombing from 30 feet, hitting tough, contested three-pointers, the Warriors’ spacing may be too much for the Lakers to overcome. How these two MVP candidates play against one another could decide who wins this exciting late-season contest.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: Los Angeles Lakers +104, Total Odds: 241.5
The Lakers come into this game as slight underdogs, which is surprising considering they have won 8 of their last 10 matchups against the Warriors. The total is set at a sky-high 241.5, indicating oddsmakers are expecting an uptempo shootout. Based on recent trends, the OVER 241.5 points seems like an attractive wager.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The Lakers have been on a nice run lately, covering the spread in 7 of their last 9 contests. They have also gone OVER the total in 10 of their past 14 outings. Furthermore, when playing on the road, the total has gone OVER in 17 of their last 20 away games. All signs point to the Lakers keeping this game close while eclipsing their team total.
Golden State Warriors Betting Trends
The Warriors enter this game winning and covering in 6 of their last 7 overall. However, the total has stayed UNDER in 5 of their past 7 contests. When playing at home, Golden State’s games have gone OVER 6 times in their last 8 Chase Center appearances. Their home dominance against the Lakers is also noteworthy, going OVER 7 times in the past 8 head-to-head matchups in San Francisco.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors 2/22/24 Betting Picks
This matchup has all the makings of a high-scoring thriller that comes down to the final minutes. The Lakers have dominated this matchup of late, but the Warriors have been rolling at home. Expect Stephen Curry and Anthony Davis to have monster stat lines in a game that exceeds the lofty total. Back the OVER 241.5 while taking the Lakers with the points as compelling underdog value for daily NBA picks.