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LA Lakers (34-24) at Golden State (31-28)
- When: Feb 28 2026, 8:30 PM
- Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
- TV: ABC
LA Lakers vs Golden State Preview & Prediction
Spread: LA Lakers -4.5
Moneyline: LA Lakers (-185)
Total: 229.5
California rivalry game with playoff tension written all over it. The Lakers head north laying 4.5 points on the road, and the total is set at 229.5. That number tells you the market expects pace, shot makers and late game drama.
Let’s break it down from a betting lens.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
The Lakers are in a tight Western Conference squeeze. Three straight losses, including back to back one possession heartbreakers, have tightened the margin for error. At 6th in the standings, they are just one game clear of slipping into play-in territory.
That said, this roster is finally close to whole.
Luka Doncic is putting up MVP level numbers at 32.7 points, 8.6 assists and 7.8 rebounds per game. When the game slows down late, the ball finds him. LeBron James is still steady at 21.5 points, 7.0 assists and 5.7 rebounds, and Austin Reaves is having a career year at 24.6 points per contest.
The Lakers have been good in clutch spots most of the season, even if the last week says otherwise. The key for bettors is whether they can tighten up defensively after giving up 113 in Phoenix and 110 to Orlando.
With a full offensive arsenal, laying 4.5 suggests the market believes their firepower travels.
Lakers Prop Lean: Luka Doncic over 31.5 points
Golden State is thin at the point of attack without Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler in the lineup. Expect Luka to control tempo. In a high total environment, his usage rate and shot volume should remain elite.
Golden State Warriors Betting Preview
Golden State is fighting uphill without Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler. That is a lot of star power missing. Still, they have shown flashes.
They beat Denver 128 to 117, then dropped a puzzling one to New Orleans before bouncing back with a 133 to 112 blowout of Memphis. In that game, nine different Warriors scored at least nine points. That is depth stepping up.
Brandin Podziemski has become a key piece. He is averaging 12.3 points per game and just posted 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists in the Memphis win. He can create, push pace and make secondary plays.
Moses Moody and Al Horford have chipped in with 20 plus performances, helping Golden State survive.
The Warriors are 8th in the West and three games behind the Lakers. This is essentially a double swing game in the standings. At home, with urgency, catching 4.5 is not insignificant.
Warriors Prop Lean: Brandin Podziemski over 14.5 points
With expanded responsibilities and green light minutes, Podziemski should see volume. He has been aggressive and should get clean looks in transition.
NBA Final Score & Expert Prediction
The total of 229.5 fits the matchup. Both teams can score, and Golden State will try to speed this up to compensate for missing star power.
The Lakers simply have the higher ceiling with Luka orchestrating. In a playoff style atmosphere, star talent tends to decide things late.
Los Angeles covers the 4.5 behind Doncic’s shot making and late game execution, while Golden State stays competitive but falls short.
Final Score: Lakers 119, Warriors 112
Lean: LA Lakers -4.5
Total: Over 229.5
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
