Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Predictions, Odds, Bets & Stats – 04/03/2025

On Thursday, 4/3, the Los Angeles Lakers (46-29) will host the Golden State Warriors (44-31) in a Western Conference match-up. The Lakers have a loose grip on the fourth spot, while the Warriors have shot up to the fifth place. Will the rising Warriors be able to spring up a surprise against the tough Lakers? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.

Where to Watch Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors

Time: 7:00 PM (PT)
Venue: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, California)
Where to watch: This game can be viewed on the NBA League Pass.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Match Preview

Lakers: Back in the groove

The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the match after a 6-point win against the Houston Rockets on the heels of a 20-point, 9-assist performance by their offensive maestro Luka Doncic. They have won three out of the last four to erase the hurt of a 3-6 spell before that. The trio of Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James is one of the best in the league, covering up for the lack of depth in other areas.

Their offense has been at the best position in this season with three shot-creators while two-way role players Dorian-Finney Smith and Gabe Vincent have chipped in too. The defense has taken a bit of a hit, though. From early January to mid-February, the team was shutting opponents to around 105 or so, but currently they regularly give up 115+. However, the coaching staff won’t mind these returns because the team now has the necessary scoring skills to survive the West’s deadly postseason scene.

Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Luka Doncic | SG: Austin Reaves | SF: LeBron James | PF: Rui Hachimura. | C: Jaxson Hayes

Key Injuries/Updates: Maxi Kelber is OUT but can be back soon.

Warriors: Jimmy Butler has saved their season

The Golden State Warriors will march into this affair after handing a 9-point loss to the Memphis Grizzlies as Stephen Curry went God mode for 52 points(12 triples). It was their third straight win, helping them overcome a two-game losing streak without Curry. Jimmy Butler has been a huge difference-maker to their cause. Before he arrived, they had a 25-26 record, but they are 19-5 since his inclusion.

Brandin Podziemski has been in a terrific groove, while Moses Moody has been a revelation as one of the three starting guards. Draymond Green is shutting down players left and right and has become even more lethal alongside Butler, who makes terrific defensive reads. Meanwhile, Curry is ready for a prime-time finish to the season and is ready to bury the ghosts of a play-in tournament loss last season. Jonathan Kuminga is also a strong sixth player off the bench. And, oh, the Warriors have one of the easiest schedules to finish the season.

Expected Starting Lineup

PG: Stephe Curry | SG/SF: Kyle Kuzma | SF: Taurean Prince | PF: Giannis Antetokoumpo | C: Brook Lopez

Key Injuries/Updates: Gary Payton II is OUT indefinitely. Jonathan Kuminga is QUESTIONABLE.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Total Over/Under Prediction

Both teams are doing an incredible job on the offensive end. They regularly pass the 120-point mark and are comfortable with high-scoring, medium-scoring, and low-scoring levels. This can be a high-scoring affair as multiple players from both squads are on a hot streak. We can see a total north of 235 here.

Total Over 231.5 for +115 at BetMGM
Warriors Over 116.5 for +125 at BetMGM

Los Angeles Lakers Player Props Predictions- Projected Top Bets & Odds

Luka Doncic to score over 30.5 points: The Lakers PG has tallied around 30 points per game since March but has been held under 30 in three straight games. However, I expect them to be in 30+ points.

Dorian Finney-Smith to knock down over 2.5 threes: DFS has been on fire from deep since late March, hitting 6 in his last game. I believe he will click on at least 3 here again.

Golden State Warriors Player Props Predictions – Projected Top Bets & Odds

Stephen Curry to score over 30.5 points: The Warriors legend came up with a special 50+ points masterpiece in the last game. I believe he will follow it up with a 30+ points outburst against his rivals.

Brandin Podziemski to score over 15.5 points: Podz had an underwhelming 7-point night in the last game after averaging around 14 PPG since March. I believe he will bounce back with a 17+ effort here.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Match Prediction

This is one of the most scintillating games out there for many reasons. A win here will help either team climb up the ladder and get close to the second seed. Meanwhile, the Curry-James rivalry is always something to look forward to, as can be the battle between Doncic and Butler. Overall, I see a riveting game, but the Dubs may be able to snatch one here on the back of Curry.

Safe Spread Pick: Warriors -3.5 for +154 at BetMGM

Photo Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Shubham Singh

nba

Hi, I am Shubham. I am currently an NBA Predictions Writer on The Playoffs. I enjoy this job because it helps keep me in the loop about the game I love while fulfilling the pleasure I derive from stats. I got into NBA writing through social media interactions in the mid-2010s as I shared my takes on young talents such as D’Angelo Russell. I hope you enjoy reading my pieces as much as Dennis Rodman loved rebounding the basketball!