| MATCHUP | Golden State Warriors | Los Angeles Lakers |
|---|---|---|
| Team Records | 0-0 | 0-0 |
| Spread | +6.5 -112 | -6.5 -108 |
| Moneyline | +180 | -218 |
| Total | Over 235.5 (-105) | Under 235.5 (-115) |
| Where | crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA | |
| When | Wednesday, October 21, 2026 | |
| Time | 10:00 PM EDT | |
| TV | ESPN | |
Golden State Warriors Betting Preview
The Warriors have missed the playoffs in two of the last three seasons and enter year 13 under coach Steve Kerr.
Outside of drafting Yaxel Lendeborg, who has a chance to be a key contributor, the Warriors didn’t do anything significant to upgrade this team. The Warriors are banking on the veteran core that’s led by Draymond Green, Stephen Curry, and Al Horford. Who knows when Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis will be available. This is an old roster with little depth, and when you throw in the injuries to key players along with Kerr wondering if he was even going to be back this season, this feels like the beginning of the end for the Warriors. It feels like this group has run its course, and it wouldn’t be surprising if changes are made at some point.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
The Lakers have won a combined 103 games the last two seasons and are in year three under coach JJ Redick. The Lakers have made the playoffs in four straight seasons.
The Lakers watched LeBron James walk while they traded for Walker Kessler. Luka Doncic now has the keys to the Lakers franchise and will be asked to lead the way. Austin Reaves will be the co-star, and there are some intriguing bench players in Collin Sexton, Matisse Thybulle, and Kevon Looney. The Lakers have talent, youth, and a high offensive ceiling, but they must prove they can defend in a loaded West. The Lakers have potential to make some noise this season, but consistency will be key.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Lakers have won each of their last four games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Warriors have lost eight of their last 10 games.
- The Warriors have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine night games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last four night games against Pacific Division opponents.
Why the Golden State Warriors will win
- The Lakers have lost five of their last six season openers as favorites.
- The road team has won eight of the last 10 games between the Warriors and Lakers.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six season openers against Pacific Division opponents.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in four of the Lakers’ last five games at Crypto.com Arena.
Total Points Facts
- Six of the Lakers’ last seven home games against the Warriors have gone OVER the total points line.
- Six of the Warriors’ last seven games at Crypto.com Arena have gone OVER the total points line.
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report
The Warriors will be without Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Kristaps Porzingis. Charles Bassey is questionable. Steph Curry is probable despite ankle soreness.
The Lakers are without Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero. Collin Sexton is questionable with a soleus strain. Walker Kessler is available despite a finger issue.
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
The Warriors lack the talent to be taken seriously, and it doesn’t help when they’re down Podziemski, Butler, and Porzingis. It’s also worth noting that Curry is dealing with an ankle issue. It’s just a disaster for the Warriors, and nobody is coming to save this team. I get it’s the first game of the season, but you can argue the Lakers should be bigger favorites. There’s not much to like about this Warriors situation. This should get ugly. Give me the points with the Lakers in a contest that shouldn’t be close.