The second half of the NBA season is starting back up on Thursday, and there are some big games on the schedule. One of the best games takes place in the Western Conference as the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Golden State Warriors.
Los Angeles ended the first half of the regular season with three straight wins and that should give them some momentum. The Lakers are currently sitting at 30-26 on the year, but are in just 9th place in the Western Conference.
Golden State has been a tough team to figure out this season as they have gone just 27-26 on the year. The Warriors have won four of their last five games to move to 10th place in the Western Conference.
In this matchup on Thursday night, the Warriors are 4.5 point betting favorites over the Lakers.
Lakers Must Make Shots
The Los Angeles Lakers might be shooting 37 percent from the three-point line this season, but they are only making 11 threes per game. Its going to take a great shooting night from the Lakers to win this road game.
Anthony Davis and LeBron James are both scoring over 24 points per game this season, and they have proven to be tough to stop. That duo will need to set the tone for the Lakers, but at some point they must get help as well.
The Lakers should be able to control the paint in this matchup, but guarding Stephen Curry is a different story. Los Angeles just doesn’t really have an answer for Curry and that could be a major issue.
Warriors Looking For Weapons
The Golden State Warriors continue to ride on the back of Stephen Curry, but at some point he needs some help. Curry is scoring 28.0 points per game this season, but other teams are starting to throw extra defenders his way.
Klay Thompson is still scoring 17 points per game for the Warriors, but he has clearly lost a step or two. Golden State has gotten older in recent years, and they need some young stars to step up.
The Warriors are still scoring 119.7 points per game, but they need to establish their defense in this one. Golden State can’t let the Lakers dominate the paint or they won’t be able to keep pace.
Warriors Win Over Lakers
There will be no shortage of superstars on the floor in this game and that should lead to an epic battle. Both teams were playing well to end the first half and each team appears ready to go on a run.
Even though the Warriors have been struggling at times this season, they are still tough to beat on their home floor. Stephen Curry will take over this game at some point to give his team some breathing room.
Bet the Golden State Warriors -4.5 over the Los Angeles Lakers as the home team will win this game.
