NBA Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Preview and Prediction

Date/Time: 12-25-2018, 20:00 EDT

Spread: Golden State Warriors -9

Total: +235

In this long-awaited high caliber duel, Steph Curry and LeBron James meet once again as the Los Angeles Lakers, looking to bounce back after their latest defeat, are visiting the defending champions Golden State Warriors, who want to extend their current small winning streak.

Lakers are 19-14 so far in the league and are tied with Portland in the fourth place of the Western Conference. They are 1-3 in their last 4 games and in their latest matchup they got defeated by Memphis at home, 99-107. Warriors are 23-11 so far in the league and are tied with Oklahoma City in the 2^nd place of the Western Conference. They are 4-1 in their last 5 games and in their latest matchup they were victorious against Los Angeles Clippers at home, 129-127.

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LA are led in scoring by LeBron James with 27.8 ppg. He also leads the team both in assists with 7.2 and in rebounding with 8 per game, while Kyle Kuzma follows with 18.3 ppg, adding 5.7 rebounds per game. Brandon Ingram adds 15.5 ppg and 4.1 rebounds. Golden State are led in scoring by Stephen Curry with 29.2 ppg. He also adds 5.2 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game, while Kevin Durant follows with 29 ppg, adding 6.1 assists and leads the team in rebounding with 7.8 per game. Klay Thompson adds 21.5 ppg and 4.1 rebounds.

In their 4 meetings last year Golden State had a perfect 4-0 wins, winning both home games by 117-106 and 113-106. Golden State are 15-3 at home, while LA are 7-9 on the road. Golden State have a better offense with 116 ppg to LA’s 112.8, while both squads have almost identical defenses, allowing 111.1 and 111.3 ppg. Golden State have a better accuracy both from the field, shooting with 48.4% to LA’s 47.8% and from behind the arc, shooting with 38.4% to LA’s 34.5%. They also dish more assists (27.6 to 24.3) and commit fewer turnovers per game (14.4 to 15.2), while both squads grab almost the same number of rebounds per game (46.1 to 46). Golden State are the absolute favorite at home as the Lakers don’t pose a threat. Expect them to get away with an easy win by more than 9 points tonight.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Prediction: Golden State Warriors -9 (-108)

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