The Los Angeles Lakers are small underdogs on the road in their next game. They will face the Golden State Warriors on Saturday, January 27th, 2024 (7:30 PM ET). The Warriors, who are 12-12 at home this season, are favored in the game at -2.5 (bet365). My Lakers vs Warriors prediction is that LA will win this game, at least with the help of their small handicap.
NBA Game Preview at a Glance
Away: Los Angeles Lakers
Home: Golden State Warriors
Game time: Saturday, January 27th, 2024 @ 7:30 PM ET
Lakers vs Warriors odds (home team’s spread): -2.5 (bet365)
Los Angeles vs Golden State Prediction: Recent NBA Headlines
The Lakers last played on Thursday, a game where they defeated the Chicago Bulls 141-132. LA is coming off of a long homestand. They have not been on the road since January 13th, so long as their ‘road’ game against the LA Clippers is not counted (the Clippers and Lakers share a building).
During their recent six-game stretch without travel, they did get four wins. Besides Chicago, the Lakers also beat OKC, Dallas, and Portland. LA is on the road against GS but LA should still be energetic after spending some much time at home.
Los Angeles Lakers: Recent Form Alert
Formerly: 17 – 19 heading into January 7th, 2024
Currently: 23 – 23 (overall)
Recent form: 6 – 4 since January 7th, 2024
Recent winning rate: .600
Note: the Lakers have a win in the NBA Cup final (December 9th) that is not reflected in their regular-season record.
Los Angeles Lakers injuries: recent news
Heading into Saturday, LA has a couple of starting lineup concerns. LeBron James is listed as questionable due to a left ankle injury, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is questionable because of an Achilles injury, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
Each player did play in Thursday’s game. Furthermore, each player has a history of being questionable this season while generally playing in the respective game. Looking at the bench situation, Cam Reddish is out for the upcoming game and is not expected back for a couple of weeks at least.
Double-check for playing status updates with Los Angeles (01:27 ET time of writing):: Team’s Depth Chart
Golden State Warriors injuries: recent news
The Golden State Warriors also played on Thursday, a game that GS lost to the Sacramento Kings. Golden State has gone just 4-8 in their last 12 games. The injury situation for the game at hand does not look that bad. As of very early on Saturday, the starting lineup was in shape for the game. But Moses Moody and Gary Payton II remain out for the time being, two bench players on the team.
Double-check status updates Golden State (01:27 ET time of writing):: Team’s Depth Chart
Lakers vs Warriors Prediction: Betting Tips
Bettors should be taking the points on the Lakers in this game at +2.5 (-110) (bet365). I like that LA has gone 6-4 in their last ten and defeated some solid teams in that stretch.
There should be some concerns over James and Davis possibly not playing. You will want to be sure that they are not downgraded to doubtful. Davis and James have been “questionable” so many times yet Davis has appeared in 44 of 46 games so far this season and James is 41 of 46. You can add one to each number for the in-season tournament final.
If they are not downgraded, I think you stick with LA even if they are questionable at the time of betting. The safe move might be to watch for news updates, however, the spread might adjust accordingly. With the way James and Davis are seemingly always “questionable.,” the Lakers can be backed ahead of final updates.
Additional reading: 2024 NFL Playoffs!
