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The Golden State Warriors will attempt to bounce back after a rare loss, as they will take on the struggling Lakers in LA.
The Lakers (8-12, 6-5 home) are on the back of a horrible 5 point loss against the Clippers two nights ago. It was a huge chance for them to get one over their rivals after multiple humiliations in a row, as the Clippers were missing three starters, but even so the Lakers could not capitalize. Although the team has been decent at home so far, the Lakers have been rather poor overall, and facing the Warriors won`t bring many reasons for optimism.
Golden State (15-6, 7-3 away) is coming after a surprising home loss against the Sacramento Kings on Monday, but the defeat is somewhat excusable given the fact that Warriors were missing both Curry and Durant, and also Iguodala and Green didn`t seem to be fully fit. Barring that loss, the Warriors have been playing well lately, and they will hope to get Stephen Curry back for this game.
Bet on Lakers vs. Warriors and claim your 100% (100 Eur) freebet at Ohmbet now!Team news: The Lakers are at full strength, while the Warriors have put Curry on Durant under questionable status. However, Curry is very likely to play, while Durant is expected to sit out again.
You have to assume Curry will play here given the fact that he was just dealing with a bruised hand. Coach Kerr said himself that Curry sitting out against the Kings was just a precaution, and that if nothing out of the ordinary happens, he should play in this match.
Despite being lights ahead the Lakers in terms of quality, the Warriors actually had some difficult matches in LA lately, and Curry has struggled at Staples Center. Warriors lost two of the last three away games against the Lakers, with Curry shooting 1-20 from three in those games!
However, it`s not a matchup problem, as the Warriors easily won their home games against LA, and also convincingly won the previous meeting at Staples Center (with Curry playing well).
If anything, look for the Warriors to be extra focused here as they know they suffered a couple of upsets lately in this building, and also knowing that they need to bounce back after that loss against the Kings.
Bouncing back after a loss is actually Golden State’s speciality. The Warriors lost consecutive games just once in the last 191 regular season matches (!!!).
Another remarkable stat, and even more relevant, is Golden`s state record of covering the spread when Durant sits out (and Curry plays). The Warriors are 14-2-2 ATS (!!!) in the last 18 games without Durant (but with Curry) on the court. This is undeniable proof that bookies overestimate Durant’s impact on this team, and underrate Golden State when he is out. The Warriors actually often play better when KD is out, running their natural game more effectively.
As long as Curry plays here, the Warriors should be fine, and most facts indicate they should cover the spread. If Curry somehow doesn`t play then this bet loses all value, but that would be a huge surprise given that all reports and coach Kerr himself suggest he will start. We can only bet based on the info we have in front of uss, and that info says Steph will play.
I was tempted to back Steph Curry to cover his points total line, given that he`ll take more of the scoring load without Durant, and that he`s facing off against a rookie point guard who can`t defend. However, I eventually decided to go with the point spread here.
My tip will be Golden State to cover the 10 point (asian) handicap, and I expect the line to move up once Curry is deemed fit, as expected. Prediction: LA Lakers – Golden State Warriors 98 – 120.
Pick: Warriors -10.5
Odds: 1.96 @ 1xBet
Stake: 10
Possible profit: 9.60
Event date: 30 November
