The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to lose a home playoff game during this postseason after they demolished the Golden State Warriors, 127-97, in Game 3 on Saturday. LeBron James didn’t even shoot the ball until well into the second quarter, but ended up with 21 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Anthony Davis put up 25 points and 13 rebounds, and D’Angelo Russell added 21 points, sinking five three-pointers. The key portion of the game was the second and third quarters, which the Lakers won by a combined score of 63-38. Next up is Game 4 Monday night, almost a certain must-win for the Warriors. Check out our NBA betting preview of this Western Conference showdown.
NBA Betting News: Western Conference Semifinal Preview
Golden State Warriors at L.A. Lakers, Game 4
Lakers lead, 2-1
When: Monday, May 8, 2023. 10:00 pm ET
Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
TV: TNT
Radio: No National Broadcast
Live Stream: ESPN+
NBA Odds: Golden State +2.5 / O/U 228.5 // Golden State +125 / Los Angeles -150
Why should you bet on the Warriors?
This is the second series in a row in which the Warriors have trailed 2-1, but this time around they are on the road for Game 4. Their road struggles have lasted all season long, as they have posted a 13-33 record away from their home fans. The Lakers shot 37 free throws in Game 3, while the Warriors shot just 17, but that difference has a lot to do with the fact that the Lakers tend to attack the rim on offense, while the Warriors tend to settle for jump shots, taking less contact.
The only major injury for Golden State is Andre Iguodala (wrist), who is expected to miss this series and the next, at least. Going into Game 4, the Warriors need to find their three-point shooting touch. They have struggled from behind the arc after a regular season in which they were second in the league from downtown. They were also eighth in the league in offensive rebounding, but they haven’t been able to generate many second-chance points against the Lakers. Stephen Curry is scoring 30.6 points per game in these playoffs, but he needs consistent help from Klay Thompson and the bench.
Bet on the Warriors!
Why should you put your money on the Lakers?
The Lakers have a respectable 28-18 home record this season, and having both AD and LeBron healthy and committed at the same time has made a significant difference. The playoff experience on this roster tells the players that this is the most important game of the series so far, as a win would put Golden State on the brink of elimination, while a loss would bring the series even with two of the last three games up in San Francisco.
The only injury on the Lakers’ report is Mo Bamba (ankle). LeBron is scoring 22.1 points per game, and AD has 21.2 points and 13.9 rebounds per contest. The Lakers have won the two games in this series in which AD has played well; in Game 2, he struggled, and the Warriors won. D’Angelo Russell has also shown up to play in this series, taking the pressure off the top two stars, and the team’s perimeter defense is irritating the Warriors as well.
Bet on the Lakers!
Final Score and Prediction
Golden State has covered in their last four games coming after a loss against the spread, and they have covered in six of their last seven games coming after a straight-up loss. The point spread for Game 4 is tight, but I see the Warriors making the adjustments to get more open looks at the basket from distance. I predict a final score of Golden State 116, Los Angeles 112.
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