Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NBA match.
The Warriors are eager to prove that their recent slump is only temporary after a series of defeats. For the Lakers, this game is not only an opportunity to continue their winning streak but also a chance for LeBron James to secure his 11th win in Christmas Day games. He is currently tied for the lead with Dwyane Wade with 10 wins.
Golden State Warriors
The Warriors are posting decent defensive numbers, conceding an average of 110.2 points per game. However, their free-throw shooting remains problematic at 70.5% (the lowest in the league), which sometimes affects the outcomes in closely contested games. Stephen Curry (21.8 points) has struggled in three of the last five games, scoring just 31 points in total during these matches. Additionally, the Warriors' games often fall short of high-scoring expectations, particularly against the bookmakers' projected totals. In 9 of their last 13 games, the total has not exceeded 230 points.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have won four of their last six games. Anthony Davis has been instrumental, averaging 26.6 points and 11.8 rebounds per game. He has scored 19+ points in six of the last seven matches. Supporting him is LeBron James, who averages 23.2 points and 8 rebounds, consistently scoring 18+ points in six consecutive games. Like their opponents, the Lakers have also been accustomed to low-scoring games, with 11 of their last 14 matches not surpassing 230 points.
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
The Lakers have looked impressive in recent games and have all the chances for success. LeBron James is making history in Christmas Day games, and the support from Anthony Davis and other key players will help the visitors overcome an inconsistent home side. Both teams rarely push the total over the 230-point mark, and this game is expected to follow suit. Therefore, we'll go with a combo bet — the Lakers not to lose and a total under 230.5 points.
