LeBron James is facing off against the Golden State Warriors on Christmas Day once again. This time, it will be as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. James switched teams in free agency this offseason and while most don’t expect the Lakers to compete for the title they could change perceptions with a big win in this one.
The Warriors have not dominated as most thought they would as of yet and are behind the Nuggets in the Western Conference standings. Golden State is still the favorite to win the title but is hoping to start clicking. The national primetime affair will certainly pump up the Warriors and they are still plenty capable of putting on a show.
The Lakers are on the road and should be sizable underdogs in this matchup in NBA gambling.
This NBA basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors will be held at Oracle Arena in Oakland, California at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 25th, 2018. The game will be nationally televised on ABC/ESPN.
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Odds Analysis
The Lakers have a record of 18-13 on the season. They have lost two in a row and are in a group of nine teams within two games of each other in the standings, so Los Angeles has to keep winning to keep a good spot in the West. The Lakers have only won seven of their 16 meetings on the road this season and it will be a tall task against the defending champs.
The Warriors are 21-11 on the year. They have dealt with injuries and some drama early in the season, as this has been one of the hardest years of the dynasty to date. Golden State has gone only .500 on the road this year but is glad to be playing at home, as it is an impressive 13-3 there.
The Warriors and Lakers can both score in bunches so the scoring total is expected to be pretty high in NBA gambling.
Injury Report
The Lakers need all hands on deck for this one, but the nice thing is that they are getting healthy at the right time. Point guard Rajon Rondo broke his hand early in the year but has started practicing and seems like he could be back for this matchup.
Forward Brandon Ingram is dealing with an ankle injury but he has also returned to practice. Ingram is averaging 15.2 points and 4.0 rebounds per game and his ability on the offensive end of the court could be a key in a possible shootout.
Center Javale McGee, a former member of the Warriors, has been out recently with an illness. The Lakers hope he is back as well. McGee has put together a nice year, averaging 11.8 points and 2.6 blocks per game.
Matchup To Watch
LeBron James vs. Kevin Durant -- These two small forwards are two of the most talented players in the NBA. Both are leading their teams in points, rebounds and assists, which is no small feat. Durant has a much better supporting cast around him, including Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green, so James is not going to need to simply win this matchup but do so handily.
The Lakers are going to be substantial underdogs, but a win is always possible with James because he has the capacity to take over games unlike anyone else can do in the league. If Durant wins this matchup, the Warriors should cruise.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Lakers are still pretty young in spots and those players may not be ready for a game of this magnitude. Golden State is battle-tested and will want to put on a show to prove it is still the clear favorite to win the championship.
The Warriors are the pick to win this game rather easily and cover the spread in NBA betting lines.
NBA ATS Pick: Golden State Warriors 125, Los Angeles Lakers 110
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