The Lakers are in rebuild mode while the Warriors are the NBA title favorites. Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Stephen Curry and the rest of the Golden State crew should be able to put on a show and cruise to the victory.
At 10:30 p.m. ET, tune into ESPN for live television coverage of this NBA basketball game on Friday, November 4, 2016, at the Staples Center.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Friday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Warriors have sky-high expectations and have yet to win games in blowout fashion thus far. Golden State is 2-1 but has failed to cover in any of its three games, and the Spurs demolished them in the season opener.
The early-season chemistry issues are something to keep in mind as the Warriors bring Durant into the fold, but the Lakers’ defense isn’t strong and Golden State should be able to roll.
The Lakers are 1-2 straight up on the season and have covered in two of their three games. They are going to be underdogs in this one, which is going to be a likely occurrence the rest of the season.
Player To Watch
Stephen Curry - The reigning league MVP is not the highest scorer on his team with Durant taking that current honor, but anyone who has watched him play knows how dominant Curry can be. The Lakers feature a young backcourt, which means Curry should be able to use some of his veteran moves to get open, and if he gets hot, watch out.
Curry is averaging 25.7 points and 4.7 assists per game while shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from 3-point range. Curry is willing to pass the ball around if teams double him, but the Lakers may try to stay home on players like Durant and Thompson.
If that happens, expect Curry to put up points in bunches in this one.
Matchup to Watch
Julius Randle vs. the Warriors forwards -- The best chance for the Lakers to stay close is to pound the ball inside and to try to stretch the game out. Draymond Green or Durant may get the assignment on him, and Randle has to win that matchup in order for Los Angeles to remain competitive.
Randle is averaging 15.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game. He is one of the only low-post offensive threats for the Lakers, and it’s the area which Golden State is vulnerable since it likes to run the ball and use smaller lineups.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Lakers are giving up 107.7 points per game this season and despite not yet hitting on all cylinders, the Warriors are still averaging 109.3. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Golden State eclipse 120 points in this one, with Curry, Durant and Thompson all in line for big games.
Randle, D’Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram are three young players with potential for the Lakers, but they aren’t yet ready to compete against a team as good as Golden State.
Even though the Warriors haven’t been smooth this season, they are presented a favorable matchup in this one. Take Golden State to jump out to a quick lead and keep the hammer down. The dominant team expected will finally show up against an overmatched Lakers squad.
Keep an eye on the scoring total, because while it may be high, the “over” could still be a tantalizing play depending on where it is set.
NBA Odds: Warriors 123, Lakers 101
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