Prediction in LA!
Los Angeles enters its season opener as a 6,5-point home favourite, with Luka Dončić coming off a league-leading 33,5 points per game in 2025–26. The Warriors are also without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, while Stephen Curry is expected to play.
Match: Lakers vs Warriors
League / Competition: NBA
Our Pick: Lakers to win -6,5
Odds: 1.98
Market: Handicap
Analyst Confidence: 5/5
The Lakers have home-court advantage and a major offensive weapon in Luka Dončić, who averaged 33,5 points per game last season. With Austin Reaves also coming off a strong campaign at 23,3 points and 5,5 assists per game, Los Angeles has the scoring potential to build a lead and put pressure on Golden State.
The Warriors won both preseason meetings, so the Lakers cannot afford to underestimate them. However, Golden State will be without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, weakening its available options. If Dončić controls the offence and the Lakers defend well against Stephen Curry, Los Angeles has a path to winning by at least seven points.