Warriors vs. Lakers Prediction: NBA Picks & Odds (Oct. 21)
Even as the Lakers learn to live without LeBron James, my Warriors vs. Lakers prediction targets an L.A. victory against an injured Golden State squad.
Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles (ESPN), with the Lakers priced as a 6.5-point home betting favorite. I expect a heavy offensive load for Stephen Curry, as well as a strong Lakers debut for Walker Kessler.
Warriors vs. Lakers picks & odds
See all of our experts' NBA picks based on the latest NBA odds.
| Pick | Odds | Bet size (units) |
|---|---|---|
| Lakers -6.5 | -108 via DraftKings | 1 unit to profit 0.93 units |
| Stephen Curry Over 28.5 points + assists | -116 via DraftKings | 0.5 units to profit 0.43 units |
| Walker Kessler Over 21.5 points + rebounds | -110 via bet365 | 0.5 units to profit 0.45 units |
Picks submitted: Oct. 21 @ 9 a.m. ET. Odds subject to change.
Total wagered: 2 units | Profit if all picks win: 1.81 units
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Warriors vs. Lakers best bet
Lakers -6.5 (-108 via DraftKings)
Inflated by past reputation, the Warriors posted the third-worst ATS record last season. They failed to cover the spread in three of four meetings against the Lakers. Now, Golden State is missing several key players heading into the season opener. In addition to Steph Curry tweaking his ankle ahead of this matchup, Jimmy Butler, Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, and Kristaps Porzingis are out.
This is a reworked Lakers roster following the departure of LeBron James, but one that makes sense with Luka Doncic at the controls. The Warriors don't have the offensive firepower right now to keep up with the purple and gold in L.A.
Lakers -6.5 at -108 odds at DraftKings is the best line available among the best sports betting sites.
Play to: Lakers -7.5 at -104 or better.
Score prediction: Lakers 117, Warriors 108
Warriors vs. Lakers player props
Stephen Curry Over 28.5 points + assists (-116 via DraftKings)
I expect high usage for Stephen Curry with a pretty barren Warriors roster around the two-time NBA MVP. The ball will be in Curry's hands throughout Wednesday night's contest.
Even if his game lacks efficiency, the only chance the Warriors have tonight is if Curry stuffs the stat sheet. He's had a ton of offensive success against the Lakers, exceeding this combo total in eight of the last 10 matchups against L.A. going back to 2023.
Targeting Curry's points + assists combo prop hedges against shooting variance. DraftKings offers the best line and odds on this player prop.
Play to: Over 29.5 at -105 or better. Pass at 30.5.
Walker Kessler Over 21.5 points + rebounds (-110 via bet365)
Walker Kessler is an elite rebounder, particularly on the offensive end. After missing almost all of last season, Kessler averaged over 23 points + rebounds per game the year before.
He was brought in this offseason to anchor a Lakers frontcourt that was among the worst in rebounding. Alongside his board play, he is also an excellent complement to Doncic in the pick-and-roll game.
No one on this Warriors team can contend with Kessler inside, so expect him to have a productive night in his L.A. debut and go Over this combo prop total.
Play to: Over 23.5 points + rebounds at -105 or better.
Live Warriors vs. Lakers odds
Latest Warriors vs. Lakers injuries
How to watch Warriors vs. Lakers
- Date: Wednesday, Oct. 21
- Tipoff: 10 p.m. ET
- Location: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles)
- TV/Streaming: ESPN
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