Lakers vs. Warriors prediction, odds, line, start time: 2023 NBA picks, March 5 best bets from proven model
The Golden State Warriors will look to earn a split in the four-game regular season series when they face the Los Angeles Lakers in a key Pacific Division matchup on Sunday. The Warriors (34-30), who are fifth in the Western Conference standings, are 7-23 on the road this season. The Lakers (30-34), who are 11th in the West, one game out of the play-in tournament, are 15-15 on their home court this year. The teams have split their last 10 meetings, although the Lakers are 2-1 against the Warriors in 2022-2023.
Tip-off from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles is set for 3:30 p.m. ET. Los Angeles leads the all-time regular-season series 260-173, and have won two of three meetings this season. The Warriors are 5-point favorites in the latest Warriors vs. Lakers odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is set at 234.5. Before making any Lakers vs. Warriors picks, .
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 enters Week 20 of the 2022-23 NBA season on a stunning 57-30 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,300. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Warriors vs. Lakers and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Lakers vs. Warriors:
- Warriors vs. Lakers spread: Warriors -5
- Warriors vs. Lakers over/under: 234.5 points
- Warriors vs. Lakers money line: Warriors -205, Lakers +170
- GS: The Under is 6-0 in the Warriors' last six games overall
- LAL: The Under is 4-0 in the Lakers' last four home games
- Warriors vs. Lakers picks: See picks at SportsLine
Featured Game| Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
Why the Warriors can cover
Stephen Curry is expected to make his return after missing a month with a leg injury. He has dominated the Lakers throughout his career, averaging 21.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 7.2 assists in 38 games. Before being injured, Curry had been averaging 29.4 points per game on 49.5% shooting from the floor, including 42.7% from long range. He is also a 92.2% free-throw shooter. In one game against Los Angeles this season, Curry registered 33 points, seven assists and six rebounds.
Shooting guard Jordan Poole has scored in double figures in 11 consecutive games, including 34 in Thursday's 115-91 win over the Clippers. He followed that up with an 18-point and seven-assist performance in Friday's 108-99 win over New Orleans. In three games against the Lakers this season, he has been red hot, averaging 19 points, 5.7 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 steals. He has one double-double on the year, scoring 21 points and dishing out 12 assists in a 141-114 win over Oklahoma City on Feb. 6.
Why the Lakers can cover
Despite that, Golden State isn't a lock to cover the Warriors vs. Lakers spread. That's because Los Angeles has played well despite the absence of James and Russell. Power forward Anthony Davis (foot), who is listed as day-to-day, is expected to play against Golden State. He scored 38 points in a 110-102 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday, and has seven double-doubles in his past eight games. In 39 games, which includes 37 starts, Davis averages 26.1 points, 12.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.1 blocks.
Shooting guard Malik Beasley, acquired in a Feb. 9 trade with the Utah Jazz, has given the Lakers a spark. He scored 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds in the loss to Minnesota on Friday. He went off against the Warriors in their last meeting on Feb. 23, scoring 25 points in a 124-111 win. For the season, he is averaging 13.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 63 games played.
How to make Warriors vs. Lakers picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 239 points. The model also says one side hits nearly 70% of the time. You can only get the pick at SportsLine.
