On Christmas Day, the Golden State Warriors host the Los Angeles Lakers at the Chase Center. This should be an exciting part of the NBA’s five-game slate. Keep reading for odds, picks and player props for this game, and make sure you also check out our live VSiN programming for more analysis. Our talented hosts and analysts will surely spend some time talking about these games.
MORE: Head to the Pro Picks page for best bets from all of our VSiN hosts and analysts!
How To Watch Lakers vs. Warriors
When: Wednesday, December 25th at 8:00 pm ET
Where: Chase Center in San Francisco, California
Channel: ABC / ESPN / ESPN+
Lakers vs. Warriors Odds
Odds from DraftKings Sportsbook at time of publish. They can change. Look around for the best prices!
Moneyline: Warriors -162, Lakers +136
Spread: Warriors -3.5 (-112), Lakers +3.5 (-108)
Total: Over 224.5 (-112), Under 224.5 (-108)
Lakers vs. Warriors Analysis
The Lakers have won four of their last six games, but two of those victories came against a struggling Kings team. And another one of them was a win over the Blazers. Overall, this is still a team that is very much struggling, and that’s especially true on the defensive end. The Lakers are in the bottom third of the league in adjusted defensive rating (113.9), and they just gave up 117 against a Pistons team that isn’t great offensively.
Not only are the Lakers struggling with basic rotations, but they have multiple rotation players that opponents can target. It has been pretty relentless with Austin Reaves recently, and he’s not alone as one of Los Angeles’ weaker one-on-one defenders. But realistically, with the way the Lakers are playing on that end of the floor, I’m not sure how they’re going to defend the Warriors. Stephen Curry and Dennis Schroder should be able to take turns cooking the slower Los Angeles point-of-attack options.
Golden State also happens to be ninth in the league in adjusted defensive rating (110.4), as well as seventh in the NBA in half-court points allowed per 100 possessions (110.4). This is a very good defensive team, and the Warriors will be up for this game. Curry and Draymond Green will take pride in playing on the national stage, and both of them will want to beat LeBron James’ team.
The only thing to really worry about with the Warriors is the health of Green. He left the game against the Pacers on Monday, but he was able to return and played 26 minutes in the loss. Golden State needs Green out there for his defense and playmaking, so you just have to hope his ankle isn’t really getting to him.
However, it’s really hard to worry too much about the Warriors here. Stylistically, this is a very good matchup for Golden State. The Lakers are also just 2-8 straight-up and 4-6 against the spread as road underdogs under JJ Redick. On top of that, they’re 0-8 SU and 1-7 ATS when facing teams that shoot at least 36.0% from 3 under him. This Los Angeles team can’t defend the 3-point line, and it doesn’t have the offensive firepower to keep up with great shooting teams. That’s why this is one of my favorite plays of the entire Christmas Day slate.
I did flirt with the Under in this one, but my feeling on the Golden State side is too strong. In fact, it’s so strong that I’m nervous the Warriors will put a massive dent in the total themselves.
Lakers vs. Warriors Player Props
Stephen Curry Over 35.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists (-105)
Curry is only averaging 21.8 points, 6.6 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game this season, which is good for just 33.4 combined points, rebounds and assists per game. However, Curry has looked like his old self pretty much every time Golden State has been on national television this year. When the Warriors need him most, he is capable of throwing back the clock. And Steve Kerr leans into all of it, as Curry has played bigger minutes in the matchups with the best teams in the league — despite playing only 31.0 minutes per game on the year, which is the smallest work load he has had in a full season in his entire career.
Curry will be amped up and excited to play in this game, and he’s going to love the defenders he’ll see on him throughout this one. Honestly, I think Curry will score close to 30 points alone in this game, leaving very little work to do as a passer and rebounder.
Lakers vs. Warriors Pick
I’m nervous about how much I like the Warriors here. Golden State has more firepower and structure on both ends of the floor, and the team will also be playing at the Chase Center. This is a fanbase that gives its team a huge boost in high profile games. As previously mentioned, the only thing I’m really worried about here is health. But as long as Golden State has everybody out there, the team should cover this small number.
Bet: Warriors -3.5 (-110 – 2 units)
