The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night in Game 3 of the Western Conference semifinals as the 2023 NBA playoffs roll on. The Warriors evened the series 1-1 after a 127-100 rout over the Lakers on Thursday. Los Angeles is hoping to defend its home floor and gain an edge in the series. The Lakers went 23-18 at home during the regular season. Meanwhile, Golden State struggled mightily on the road, logging an 11-30 road record during the campaign.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Caesars Sportsbook lists Los Angeles as the 2.5-point favorite in the latest Lakers vs. Warriors odds. The over/under for total points is 227.5. Before making any Warriors vs. Lakers picks, you’ll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer simulation model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model entered the conference semifinals of the 2023 NBA playoffs a stunning 71-38 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,800. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Warriors and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Warriors vs. Lakers:
- Lakers vs. Warriors: Los Angeles -2.5
- Lakers vs. Warriors over/under: 227.5 points
- Lakers vs. Warriors money line: Golden State +122, Los Angeles -145
- GS: Over is 5-1 in the Warriors’ last six games following a straight-up win
- LAL: Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss
- Lakers vs. Warriors picks: See picks at SportsLine
Featured Game | Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Why the Lakers can cover
Forward LeBron James has an impact each time he touches the floor. James uses his power and strength to finish through contact in the lane. The four-time NBA champion owns excellent court vision as a passer as well. He is first on the team in points (22.2) with 10.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists per contest. In Thursday’s loss, James had 23 points and seven boards.
Forward Rui Hachimura provides an athletic, scoring threat off the bench. Hachimura likes to score from the mid-range area, but isn’t afraid to attack the lane. The 25-year-old also has been a reliable shooter on the outside. He’s averaging 14.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and shoots 55% from 3-point land. In Game 2, Hachimura logged 21 points, five boards and knocked down four threes. See which team to pick here.
Why the Warriors can cover
Guard Stephen Curry is an exceptional scorer due to his shooting range and quick release. Curry owns a high basketball IQ with great vision as a facilitator. The nine-time All-Star leads the team in points (31.4) with 4.9 rebounds and 5.4 assists per game. In Game 2, Curry put up 20 points and a playoff-high 12 assists.
Guard Klay Thompson continues to light it up on the perimeter. Thompson thrives as a catch-and-shoot option and is always moving without the ball. The Washington State product doesn’t need much space to get a shot off. He logs 22.1 points while shooting 40% from beyond the arc. In his last game, Thompson had 30 points and made eight threes. See which team to pick here.
How to make Lakers vs. Warriors picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 228 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time. You can only get the model’s pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Game 3 of Lakers vs. Warriors in the NBA playoffs 2023? And which side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has has gone 71-38 on its NBA picks, and find out.
