Let’s look at this Lakers vs Warriors prediction and analyze how the two teams will do in Saturday’s matchup. The last time these two teams faced off was on October 19th and the Warriors won thanks to some great 3rd and 4th quarter play by Poole, Wiggins, and Bjelica. Steph Curry had a triple double to keep them near the Lakers as Davis and Lebron both got 30 each. The Lakers couldn’t get any contribution from the rest of the team, with Lebron and Davis being the only players in double digits.
Warriors’ Defense
The Warrior’s defense has been exceptional this season and will be a big factor in this game even without Draymond. They are 2nd in the league in steals, with Payton II, Curry, Green, Wiggins, and Otto Porter Jr all averaging over 1.0 per game. Conversely, they are very good at protecting the ball; their opponents are ranked 29th in the league at stealing the ball from them. The Warriors can control the ball on the perimeter and create their shots much better than the Lakers can right now.
Lakers’ Shooting
The problem for the Lakers this year is their poor three point shooting (19th in the league), offensive rebounding (23rd in the league), and turnover rate (26th in the league). Malik Monk is the only one on the team shooting above 40% from three, with Melo and Wayne Ellington close behind at 39%. They struggle to create points if their shots don’t drop the first time and depend on on Lebron, Davis and Monk all shooting hot to win. The Lakers are sorely missing the defensive wing play of Caruso and Kuzma that could spring Lebron and AD on the fast break. Right now the inverse is happening; Lebron and AD play defense to spring Russ on the fastbreak, who promptly turns the ball over or gets his layup blocked. Russ needs to either find his shooting form or make way for a young player like Reaves.
Prediction
The Lakers have only gotten worse as the season has progressed, even with AD back in the lineup. Even when Lebron gets 30, the rest of the team is not dependable in making up the difference. Their defense isn’t horrible, but their shooting and rebounding often is. The Warriors will be without Draymond, but can make up for his absence with good defensive play on the perimeter. Warriors will win by 6 as the Lakers fade in the 4th quarter and are unable to make critical shots to keep up with the Warriors’ offensive depth.
Check out the Highlights below!
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