- The Golden State Warriors battle the LA Lakers on Saturday night
- The Warriors are currently +2.5 underdogs with Steph Curry likely to play
- Read below for Warriors vs Lakers prediction, odds and player props to bet
The Golden State Warriors (34-31) travel to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers (36-31) on Saturday, March 16 at 8:30pm ET on ABC. Steph Curry appears to be making his return to the Warriors lineup following a four-game absence.
The Lakers opened as 3-point home favorites but the line has since moved to Lakers -2.5 at most sportsbooks. The over/under is set at 233.5 points.
Let’s get into our Warriors vs Lakers prediction, as we analyze the odds and determine the best player props to wager on.
Golden State Warriors vs LA Lakers Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS Warriors | +2.5 (-115) | +110 | Over 233.5 (-105) |
| LA Lakers | -2.5 (-105) | -130 | Under 233.5 (-115) |
In the Warriors vs Lakers odds, Los Angeles is a -130 moneyline favorite, giving them 56% implied win probability in the NBA odds.
Odds as of March 16, 2024, at ESPN Sportsbook. Claim the ESPNBet promo code to bet on Lakers vs Warriors. Bettors in North Carolina can unlock the ESPN Bet North Carolina promo.
This Western Conference showdown features two teams jockeying for playoff positioning, with the Lakers currently holding the 9th seed and the Warriors right behind them in 10th. See all the seedings in our NBA Playoff Bracket.
Warriors-Lakers History
The Warriors and Lakers have split their two meetings so far this season, with each team winning on its home floor. On January 28, the Lakers prevailed 145-144 in an overtime thriller, despite Curry’s 39 points. James had 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in the win.
The Warriors got revenge on February 23, cruising to a 128-110 victory behind Curry’s 29 points and eight assists. Klay Thompson added 23 points, and Draymond Green had 13 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
GS vs LAL Recent Results
| Date | Home-Away | Against the Spread | O/U |
|---|---|---|---|
| 02/22/2024 | GS 128 – LAL 110 | GS -6 | U 244 |
| 01/27/2024 | GS 144 – LAL 145 OT | LAL +1.5 | O 245.5 |
| 05/12/2023 | LAL 122 – GS 101 | LAL -3.5 | O 218.5 |
| 05/10/2023 | GS 121 – LAL 106 | GS -7.5 | O 223.5 |
| 05/08/2023 | LAL 104 – GS 101 | LAL -2.5 | U 228 |
Over the last 10 head-to-head matchups, the Lakers hold a 7-3 advantage straight up and against the spread. The over has hit in six of the last 10. At home, the Lakers are 6-0 ATS in their last six versus Golden State. The Warriors are 0-6 ATS in their last six road games against the Lakers.
Warriors Betting Analysis
The Warriors enter this matchup having lost three of their last four games, including a 109-99 defeat to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday. Golden State was without superstar point guard Stephen Curry for the third straight game due to a right ankle sprain.
Curry’s status for Saturday’s game is still up in the air, but he did practice on Friday and head coach Steve Kerr said he anticipates Curry will play. His return would provide a huge boost to a Warriors offense that has struggled mightily in his absence.
“That’s the plan.”
Steph Curry on making his return tomorrow vs. the Lakers pic.twitter.com/70SJMtvw3R
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) March 16, 2024
For the season, Curry leads the Warriors with 29.1 points and 6.2 assists per game while shooting 49.3% from the field, 42.5% from three, and 91.5% from the free throw line. His gravity and shot-making open up so much for his teammates. Wiggins is the team’s second-leading scorer at 17.5 ppg.
Defensively, the Warriors have actually been much improved since mid-January. Over their last 23 games, Golden State has a defensive rating of 111.4, 7th best in the NBA. Green and Kevon Looney’s renewed commitment on that end has helped keep them afloat despite Curry’s injury and some offensive inconsistency.
Lakers Betting Analysis
The Lakers come into this game having split their last four contests, most recently falling to the Sacramento Kings 120-107 on the road Wednesday night. It was the fourth loss to the Kings this season for Los Angeles. LeBron James stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, 13 rebounds and nine assists but shot just 6-18 from the field.
The bright spot was second-year guard Austin Reaves, who poured in a team-high 28 points on efficient 10-18 shooting. Reaves has been a revelation this season and one of the few constants for a Lakers squad that has endured a myriad of injuries.
11 early points on 4/4 for Austin Reaves đŸ‘€ pic.twitter.com/gOnx7TSJYz
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 14, 2024
When healthy, the Lakers remain an extremely dangerous team capable of beating anyone. James is having another MVP-caliber season at age 39, averaging 29.5 points, 8.4 rebounds and 6.9 assists. Anthony Davis has mostly stayed healthy and is putting up 25.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. The duo forms one of the most talented star pairings in the league.
Defensively, the Lakers have been a mixed bag this year. They rank 22nd in defensive rating (115.1) and 25th in points allowed (117.2), but their personnel suggests they are better than those numbers.
Warriors vs Lakers Player Props
When it comes to the Warriors vs Lakers player props markets, there are no shortage of options. Check out our NBA player props page to get the best odds on a prop bet that is applicable to your specific betting region.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Three-Pointers Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeBron James | 26.5 (Ov -123 | Un -111) | 7.5 (Ov -131 | Un -104) | 8.5 (Ov -129 | Un -106) | 2.5 (Ov +126 | Un -174) |
| Stephen Curry | 25.5 (Ov -108 | Un -127) | 3.5 (Ov -127 | Un -108) | 5.5 (Ov +118 | Un -163) | 4.5 (Ov -148 | Un +108) |
| Anthony Davis | 25.5 (Ov -145 | Un +106) | 13.5 (Ov -135 | Un -101) | 3.5 (Ov +123 | Un -169) | 0.5 (Ov +202 | Un -294) |
| Jonathan Kuminga | 18.5 (Ov -104 | Un -131) | 5.5 (Ov -139 | Un +102) | 2.5 (Ov -108 | Un -127) | 0.5 (Ov -125 | Un -109) |
| Austin Reaves | 16.5 (Ov -129 | Un -106) | 4.5 (Ov -101 | Un -135) | 5.5 (Ov +106 | Un -145) | 2.5 (Ov +120 | Un -166) |
| D’Angelo Russell | 16.5 (Ov -129 | Un -106) | 3.5 (Ov +100 | Un -137) | 5.5 (Ov -131 | Un -104) | 2.5 (Ov -133 | Un -103) |
| Rui Hachimura | 15.5 (Ov -109 | Un -125) | 4.5 (Ov -111 | Un -123) | 0.5 (Ov -214 | Un +152) | 1.5 (Ov -108 | Un -127) |
| Andrew Wiggins | 12.5 (Ov -127 | Un -108) | 4.5 (Ov +118 | Un -163) | 1.5 (Ov -145 | Un +106) | 1.5 (Ov +143 | Un -199) |
| Draymond Green | 6.5 (Ov -119 | Un -115) | 6.5 (Ov -106 | Un -129) | 5.5 (Ov +116 | Un -160) | 0.5 (Ov -104 | Un -131) |
NBA player props as of March 16th from a variety of top sportsbook apps.
One player prop we are targeting is LeBron James over 26.5 points. James is putting up 29.5 points per game at age 39, and the public is low on him following his 18-point showing against the Kings.
He uncharacteristically went 6-18 shooting, so look for him to bounce back Saturday. In two games vs Golden State this year, LeBron is averaging 29 points.
- GS vs LAL Prop Pick: LeBron James Over 26.5 Points
For a safer bet, Bet365 is offering James, Davis and Curry all to score +20 points at boosted +125 odds. The usual price for this outcome is -140. You can bet this Bet365 odds boost
here
.
Warriors vs Lakers Prediction
This is a tough game to call, especially with the uncertainty surrounding Curry’s status. The Warriors are just 1-5 without him this season and their offense can look rudderless at times when he’s not on the floor. However, they did beat the Spurs on the road without him on Monday and seem to be finding their footing a bit more, particularly on defense.
The Lakers have been one of the hardest teams to peg all season. Their immense talent is undeniable but injuries and a lack of cohesion have led to maddening inconsistency. They’ve beaten the Bucks and lost to the Rockets (twice) in the past two weeks alone. Still, they are 12-6 in their last 18 games overall and seem to be trending in the right direction as they get healthier.
Assuming Curry plays, I lean towards the Warriors +2.5 in this matchup. Curry’s return should provide an emotional boost and his offense is desperately needed. The Lakers’ defense is vulnerable, especially on the perimeter, so Curry, Thompson and Davis could have big nights if they get rolling.
The Lakers have also been shaky as favorites this year (15-23 ATS), while the Warriors have been solid as road dogs (15-12 ATS). In this matchup between two inconsistent but talented teams, I’ll take the points in what should be a competitive and entertaining affair.
Warriors vs Lakers Pick:
- Golden State +2.5 (-115)
The highly anticipated matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, March 16th is sure to be a thrilling game for basketball fans. Both teams have had their fair share of ups and downs this season, but they are both looking to secure a win in this crucial game.
When it comes to predicting the outcome of this game, the odds are in favor of the Warriors. Golden State has been on a hot streak lately, winning seven of their last ten games. They currently sit at the top of the Western Conference standings and are looking to maintain their position with a win against the Lakers.
On the other hand, the Lakers have struggled this season, dealing with injuries to key players like LeBron James and Lonzo Ball. However, they have shown flashes of brilliance at times and are always a threat on the court. With LeBron back in the lineup, the Lakers will be looking to pull off an upset against the Warriors.
As for player props, all eyes will be on Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant for the Warriors. Curry has been on fire recently, averaging over 30 points per game in his last five outings. Durant has also been playing at a high level, contributing both offensively and defensively for Golden State.
For the Lakers, LeBron James will be the player to watch. Despite missing significant time due to injury, LeBron is still one of the best players in the league and can take over a game at any moment. Look for him to lead the charge for Los Angeles in this crucial matchup.
Overall, this game is shaping up to be a must-watch for basketball fans. The Warriors are favored to win, but the Lakers have the talent to pull off an upset. With star players on both sides of the court, expect a high-scoring and competitive game between these two powerhouse teams.