Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 18/05/2021, 08:00  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 18/05/2021 at 09:36 in Basketball Predictions

After a long hard regular season, it's time for the NBA Play-ins. The Los Angeles Lakers will need to get past the Golden State Warriors if they want to get into the play-offs. Seventh place in the Western Conference was a disappointing result for the Lakers. They could only finish third in the Pacific Division with a season record of 42-30, placing them behind winners the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers. If they can get past the Warriors, that will make the Lakers number seven seeds for the play-offs and a tough draw against the Suns. The Lakers come into this match having won five in a row, their most recent victories being over Indiana and New Orleans. It would be a massive disappointment for the Lakers if their title defence ends before the play-offs even begin. Two of their last three matches against the Warriors have been won hence them being the favourites here.

That's despite the Warriors having an in-form Stephen Curry. He may be scoring lots of points but the Lakers have kept him under control in recent matches. Doing that again will see them in the play-offs. The Warriors ended the regular season with a 39-33 record, finishing fourth in the Pacific Division behind their opponents and are eighth in the rankings. After last season's poor run, they will be pleased to at least be in the play-ins. The run ends here though, back the Lakers to keep their title hopes alive.