Lakers vs. Warriors Predictions, Odds & ATS Picks

Los Angeles Lakers (16-13 SU, 13-16 ATS) vs. Golden State Warriors (15-13 SU, 16-12 ATS)

When: Wednesday, December 25th, 8:00 PM (ET)

Where: Chase Center, CA, San Francisco

TV: ABC

Point Spread: LAL +3.5/GS -3.5

Total: 225

Money Line: Los Angeles Lakers +134/-159

Notable Injuries

Lakers

• Christian Wood (Out) Knee
• Jarred Vanderbilt (Out) Foot
• Jaxson Hayes (Out) Ankle
• Jalen Hood-Schifino (Out) Hamstring

Warriors

• Gary Payton II (Questionable) Calf

At 8:00 ET, the Los Angeles Lakers will travel to San Francisco to take on the Golden State Warriors in a Western Pacific Division matchup. The Warriors (-159) are favored by 3.5 points over the Lakers (+134) in a game with an over/under of 225.

This game will be played at the Chase Center and can be seen on ABC.

Recent Form

The Lakers fell to 16-13 on the season after a 117-114 loss to the Pistons on Monday. Los Angeles was favored by 6.5 points at home but failed to cover the spread. The game’s total of 231 points went over the pre-game line of 222.

Detroit’s 14-0 run early in the game put the Lakers in a tough spot, but they rallied to take a 64-62 lead at halftime. However, the Pistons edged them out in the 3rd quarter (31-28) and 4th quarter (24-22) to seal the win.

The Warriors fell to 15-13 on the season after a 111-105 loss to the Pacers on Monday. Golden State, favored by six points at home, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 216, falling short of the 231.5-point O/U line.

Golden State went on an 11-0 run to take a 90-89 lead in the 4th quarter, but the Pacers responded and outscored them 22-20 in the final frame to seal the win. The Warriors struggled in the 2nd quarter, getting outscored 29-22, which proved costly in the end.

The Historicals

In terms of betting, Golden State has an ATS record of 3-2 in the previous five matchups vs Los Angeles. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +4 points per game in favor of the Warriors. A combined average of 250 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 4-1.

Analysis

LeBron James delivered a triple-double with 28 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds, shooting 62.5% from the field in the Lakers’ 117-114 loss to the Pistons. Anthony Davis contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Max Christie added 17 points, hitting three threes at a 75% clip.

The Lakers shot 54.1% from the field and connected on 14 threes, shooting 46.7% from beyond the arc. LeBron scored 14 points in the 4th quarter, and Christie added 5 in the final period.

The Lakers gave up 117 points to the Pistons on Monday, including 34 in the 1st quarter and 31 in the 3rd. They tightened up in the 4th, allowing just 24 points. Overall, Detroit shot 51% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Pistons hit 11 threes at a 36% clip. The Lakers sent them to the line 12 times, and Detroit made all their free throws. Defensively, the Lakers recorded eight steals and three blocks.

In their 105-point performance against the Pacers, the Warriors struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 31.6% of their threes and connecting on 12 overall. Their field goal percentage was 43.3% for the game.

Jonathan Kuminga led the way with 26 points, including 10 in the 4th quarter. Andrew Wiggins added 16 points, with seven coming in the 3rd quarter, while Trayce Jackson-Davis contributed 13 points, 8 of which came in the opening period.

Defensively, the Warriors struggled early, giving up 33 points in the 1st quarter, but they tightened up as the game went on, allowing just 22 points in the 4th. Overall, they gave up 111 points on 48% shooting from the field.

Golden State did well defending the three, holding Indiana to 11 made threes on 31% shooting. The Pacers also went to the line just 11 times, making 10. The Warriors finished with 33 defensive rebounds, allowed eight offensive boards, and recorded seven steals and seven blocks.

Betting Trends

• When looking at their past three road matchups, Los Angeles has an ATS record of 2-1 while averaging 101 per game. The team went 2-1 overall in these games.
• Across the Warriors’ last ten home games, the team averaged 106 points per game while allowing 113. Their record vs. the spread in these contests was 4-6 while going 3-7 straight-up.
• In their last three games as the betting underdog, the Lakers have a strong straight-up record of 3-0. In addition, their ATS record was 3-0 in these scenarios.
• Going back to their previous three games as the favorite, Golden State has an ATS mark of 1-2 while going 1-2 straight up.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Both Golden State and LA played on Monday and lost, and will be looking to get back on track in this Christmas Day matchup. Currently, the Warriors are favored by -3.5, and they are the ones I see coming out strong today. I think getting the Warriors at -3.5 is a steal, and they could run away with this one early. For this Christmas Day showdown, go ahead and take the Warriors to cover.