Warriors vs. Lakers Best Bet: Preview for Marquee NBA Matchup

Some of the names on the backs of jerseys have changed, but it’s still a big deal when Golden State (44-31; 37-35-3 ATS) take on the Los Angeles Lakers (46-29; 42-32-1 ATS), and another edition of the Western Conference rivalry tips off tonight at 10:00 pm ET from Crypto.com Arena.

In what is the game of the week in the NBA, tonight's matchup will be the first meeting of the two franchises since the Lakers acquired Luka Doncic from the Mavs in a heist of epic proportions, while the Warriors acquired Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat.

Of course, this marquee matchup also features NBA legends LeBron James and Steph Curry, each getting set to add even more to their already impressive playoff legends.

With two weeks left in the season, there’s not much separating the 3 seed from the 8 seed in the West. The Lakers have a half-game lead over Denver for third. Golden State has a half-game lead over Minnesota for fifth. You just know the Basketball Gods want to see the Lakers and Warriors meet in the playoffs.

Warriors vs. Lakers Betting Odds

Golden State is 19-5 since Jimmy Butler arrived. He’s given them a boost on both sides of the court. He is averaging over six rebounds a game since becoming a Dub and 17.5 points.

Everyone wants to break it down and make it complicated, but it’s as simple as Butler keeping teams from being able to focus all their defense on Curry. Curry is loving it. He had 52 the other night against Memphis, including 12 threes.

LeBron has played in 64 games this season and when he’s not defending his son against blowhard sports commentators, he’s still scoring 24.4 points a game, which would be his lowest output since he was a rookie.

These days, LeBron picks his spots more than ever, but that’s just fine now because he has Doncic as a running mate. Doncic is capable of taking over games at any moment. He’s an uncanny passer and shot maker.

Warriors vs. Lakers: By The Numbers

The big number is eight. James and Curry have won a combined eight NBA titles.

Head-to-head, Curry is 29-26 against James. But remember, this isn’t all about them anymore. Doncic is 5-4 against Butler in their careers. Doncic has also averaged almost 31 points a game against Golden State in his career.

Everything I see points to the over tonight. I’ve watched the Lakers plenty. They don’t try much on defense - it’s definitely not Luka’s forte. LA has allowed 108 points or more in eight of their last nine games. Golden State is much better defensively, allowing 110.9 points per game.

Golden State has won their last two games as underdogs. The last time they lost a game as an underdog was to the Lakers back in February. That was before all the trades.

Warriors vs. Lakers Betting Pick

With the spread being so small -- I’ve seen it as two points just about everywhere else -- I’m really just thinking more about who is going to win the game. Also, when you think it’s going to be close, you can’t go wrong by taking the points.

I also just like the Warriors supporting cast around their two stars more than I like the Lakers supporting cast. Draymond Green is still capable of defending James or Doncic, but the Lakers don’t necessarily have a defensive stopper. I just don’t like the way the Lakers are moving on defense right now. Give the Warriors open looks and they’ll knock them down.

The Pick: Warriors +1.5 (-102 at BetMGM)