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USATSI

The Western Conference semifinals shift to Los Angeles as LeBron James and the Lakers host Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 on Saturday night. The series is tied 1-1 after the Lakers won the first matchup and the Warriors bounced back with a victory in Game 2. Golden State is averaging 116.7 points per game during the 2023 NBA playoffs. Meanwhile, the Lakers are allowing 108.4 points per contest. 

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Caesars Sportsbook lists Los Angeles as the 3.5-point favorite in the latest Lakers vs. Warriors odds. The over/under for total points is 228.5. 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: Lakers -3.5
  • Lakers vs. Warriors over/under: 228.5 points
  • Lakers vs. Warriors money line: Warriors +140, Lakers -165
  • GS: Over is 5-1 in the Warriors' last six games following a straight-up win
  • LAL: Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last four games following an ATS loss
  • Lakers vs. Warriors picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Lakers can cover

Forward Anthony Davis is a two-way force in the frontcourt. Davis has the length and instincts to be a dominant rim protector, while displaying a diverse offensive game plan. The Kentucky product has a soft touch with a solid jumper. He leads the team in rebounds (14) and blocks (4.1) with 20.8 points per game. In Game 1, Davis had 30 points, 23 boards and three blocks.

Guard D'Angelo Russell plays at a calming pace and uses his court vision to set up his teammates. Russell is a good space creator and has a smooth jumper. The Ohio State product ranks first on the squad in assists (6.1) along with 16.1 points per contest. On April 28 against the Grizzlies, Russell supplied 31 points, four assists and made four threes. See which team to pick here.

Why the Warriors can cover

Forward Draymond Green does a lot for for Golden State. Green is a versatile defender and sound playmaker. The four-time All-Star is constantly setting screens and creating opportunities for his teammates. Green leads the team in assists (8) and steals (1.8) with 9.3 points per game. In Game 2, he totaled 11 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

Forward Andrew Wiggins has been a very explosive player. Wiggins has the skillset to get a score from all three levels, while using his athleticism to finish with force at the rim. The Kansas product averages 17 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. He finished with 11 points, four rebounds and four assists in his last outing. See which team to pick here.

How to make Lakers vs. Warriors picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 229 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits almost 60% of the time. You can only get the model's pick at SportsLine. 

So who wins Game 3 of Lakers vs. Warriors in the NBA playoffs 2023? And which side of the spread hits almost 60% of the time? 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.