Free NBA Pick: Warriors vs. Lakers NBA Odds
Looking for Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Wariors taking on the Lakers on Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 at Staples Center. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Warriors Lakers matchup.
2021 NBA Handicapping
(0-0) Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers (0-0)
Date: Tuesday, October 19
Time: 10:00PM EST
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
NBA Moneyline Odds: Warriors +145 | Lakers -170 (Bet Now!)
NBA Betting Odds: Warriors +4 | Lakers -4
NBA Betting Total: O/U 228.5
The night match for the season opener features two clubs that could factor at season end with the Golden State Warriors tipping off versus the Los Angeles Lakers.
LA is the favorite to come out of the West but the Warriors were active this offseason tweaking the roster with youthful prospects and wise vets who compliment the Big 3.
Last season, the squads played three times with the Lakers winning two of the three contests including their last meeting on March 15th (128-97). The Lakers hold the all-time record having bested the Warriors 257 of their 426 matches.
Golden State Warriors
A loss in the play-in tournament meant the Dubs missed the postseason and return this year with their eyes firmly set on getting back into the argument as title contenders.
After missing the past two campaigns due to an ACL and Achilles injury Klay Thompson is expected to return in the first half of the season. Although the two-way talent is eager to return the Dubs will exercise patience and a hot start might find him returning later rather than sooner.
Stephen Curry had a stellar 2020-21 campaign posting numbers similar to his two MVP seasons with 32 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and shooting 42.1 percent from the perimeter on 12.7 attempts per game.
With Curry in the prime of his career, Bob Myers was active this offseason signing Nemanja Bjelica, Avery Bradley, Langston Galloway, Otto Porter Jr., and brought back Andre Iguodala via free agency. Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody were selected with the 7th and 14th picks in the NBA Draft.
The combination of star talents, youthful rising stars, and poised veterans offers Steve Kerr a roster more in line with the championship team he first coached to the title.
To that end, the loss of Shaun Livingston and Iguodala had a major impact and I’m betting Andrew Wiggins and Porter Jr. (plus Iggy being back) afford Kerr with more defensive versatility and the right complement to the Dubs Big 3.
How quickly the team ascends will partially be tied to the development of James Wiseman but don’t sleep on Jordan Poole who is poised for a breakout season.
Los Angeles Lakers
Injuries took a toll on the Lakers last season as LeBron James’ high ankle sprain sidelined him for 25 games and Anthony Davis dealt with a myriad of issues the most costly of which occurred in the playoffs. Ultimately, the duo wasn’t able to defend their 2020 title and subsequently elected to do a sweeping restructuring of the roster with only four players returning.
Aside from the two superstars, Talen Horton-Tucker is the only member of consequence back with the club. The list of exiting players is lengthy: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and Kyle Kuzma were sent to the Wizards in the Russell Westbrook deal.
Free-agent exits included Alex Caruso, Andre Drummond. Ben McLemore, Markieff Morris, and Dennis Schroder.
Veteran additions dominated Rob Pelinka’s roster tweaks with 2020 title teammates Dwight Howard and Rajon Rondo returning. The big addition was Westbrook, with veterans Carmelo Anthony, DeAndre Jordan, Trevor Ariza, and Wayne Ellington also added.
Finally, Pelinka added a trio of youngsters (Kent Bazemore, Malik Monk, and Kendrick Nunn) who Frank Vogel will utilize to offset the wear and tear of his elder players.
With health a priority, the Lakers are already dealing with players out for extended periods. Ariza (ankle) and Horton-Tucker (thumb) underwent surgery. Nunn (ankle) and Monk (groin) practiced with the team Sunday but are day-to-day while Ellington (hamstring) is questionable.
NBA Betting Trends:
- Lakers are 6-4 in the last 10 head-to-head contests.
- Teams are 5-5 ATS in their last 10 meetings.
- Over Under is 3-6-1 in teams last 10 matchups
Free Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Prediction:
Aside from the obvious queries on durability, the other big question will center on defense for LA. With so many young squads pushing the pace and hoisting triples will the aging Lakers squad be able to stop opponents in transition and on the perimeter?
Game one will offer some perspective on that question as the Warriors will be the litmus test on pace and 3-point shooting.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Warriors +4
It’s only game one of 2021-22 but this matchup could be a preview for April when LeBron and Steph could renew their postseason rivalry with yet another playoff series.
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