Game 2 of the 2023 NBA playoff second-round matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors takes place on Thursday night. The Lakers won Game 1 by a 117-112 score on Tuesday. The Warriors are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games following an ATS loss. Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 4-1 ATS in its last five games overall.
Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET at the Chase Center in San Francisco. Caesars Sportsbook lists Golden State as a 7.5-point favorite in the latest Lakers vs. Warriors odds, while the over/under is 226.5. Before making any Warriors vs. Lakers picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from the proven computer simulation model at SportsLine.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model entered the conference semifinals of the 2023 NBA playoffs a stunning 71-38 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning more than $2,800. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Warriors and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA betting lines and trends for Warriors vs. Lakers:
- Lakers vs. Warriors: Golden State -7.5
- Lakers vs. Warriors Over-Under: 226.5 points
- Lakers vs. Warriors money line: Golden State -305, Los Angeles +240
- GSW: Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight-up loss
- LAL: Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 Conference Semifinals games
- Lakers vs. Warriors picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Lakers can cover
Guard D'Angelo Russell is a crafty and creative ball handler in the backcourt. Russell has the ability to set up his teammates and use his jumper to space the floor. The Ohio State product averages 17 points with a team-high 5.9 assists per contest in the playoffs. In the Game 1 victory, Russell had 19 points and six assists.
Guard Austin Reaves has taken a step forward as both a scorer and facilitator. Reaves is a smooth ball handler who has a knack of getting to the mid-range area. The Oklahoma product logs 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game this postseason. On April 26 versus the Memphis Grizzlies, Reaves notched 17 points, eight boards, and six assists. See which team to pick here.
Why the Warriors can cover
Guard Jordan Poole gives Golden State a dynamic scoring threat off the bench. Poole has a soft shooting touch on the outside and is able to get into the lane. The Michigan product is averaging 13.1 points, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 steals per game in the 2023 NBA playoffs. He's finished with 20-plus points in two of his last five games, including in Game 1 when Poole put up 21 points, six assists, and made six 3-pointers.
Forward Andrew Wiggins is an athletic scorer who has superb length and explosiveness in attacking the rim. The Kansas product is third on the team in scoring (17.8) in the playoffs, to go along with 5.9 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per contest. He's notched at least 15 points in seven of his last eight games, and in his last outing, Wiggins had 15 points and six boards. See which team to pick here.
How to make Lakers vs. Warriors picks
SportsLine's model has simulated Warriors vs. Lakers and is leaning Over on the point total, projecting six players to score more than 17 points. The model also says one side of the spread has all of the value. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine.
So who wins Game 2 of Lakers vs. Warriors in the NBA Playoffs? And which side has all of the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that has has gone 71-38 on its NBA picks, and find out.
