Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Preview: Odds, Tips & Prediction

The Lakers rank 14th in the league in scoring, averaging 116.5 points per game. While the organization has shown significant improvement from last season, these numbers place them firmly in the middle of the pack offensively. Their inconsistent scoring output is reflected in their ball movement, as Los Angeles averages 25.1 assists per game and ranks 22nd in the league.

• Luka Doncic (Guard) – Doncic is proving why he is the new face of the franchise, averaging a career-best 33.7 points per game. Unsurprisingly, this places him as the best in the NBA in that regard. Aside from shooting, he’s averaging 7.8 rebounds and 8.8 assists per game, the latter of which is the second highest. 
• Austin Reaves (Guard) – Despite still being out due to injury, Reaves is playing exceptionally well this year. In the 22 games he’s played, he’s averaged 26.6 points, 6.3 assists and 5.2 rebounds, impressive numbers for a player who was undrafted.    
• LeBron James (Forward) – At the age of 41, LeBron James is still playing at an exceptional standard. He may be averaging less than his career averages, but 21.9 points, 5.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists is impressive output in his 22nd NBA season.  

The Warriors are 16th in the league in scoring averages, producing numbers of 116.7 points per game. The franchise has seen significant improvement in this area based on last season, but they are still on the tail-end of a potential playoff place. They are lacking a standout shooter to complement Stephen Curry following the season-ending injury to Jimmy Butler III.

One positive offensive indicator is their ball movement. Golden State is among the league’s most efficient teams in this area, averaging 28.9 assists per game. That figure ranks them fifth overall and highlights the improved chemistry and cohesion that had arguably been lacking.

• Stephen Curry (Guard) – Curry is proving that age is only a number, as at the age of 37, he’s averaging 27.3 points per game this year. He’s also producing 4.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game, numbers that reflect his career averages. 
• Will Richard (Guard) – Richard is playing a key role for the Warriors, despite the stats suggesting otherwise. He’s averaging 7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.3 steals, the latter the highest in the team. It’s important to add that this is his first season playing in the NBA.  
• Moses Moody (Guard) – Due to injuries, Moody has started the most games this season in his career. He’s averaging career-best in each department, averaging 11.2 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.5 assists. These numbers aren’t exceptional, but he will likely feature in this matchup.