NBA playoff preview and tips: Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors - Game Two
- George Dempsey
- 4 May 2023
Golden State Warriors look to bounce back in game two as they trail the Los Angeles Lakers 1-0 in the Western Conference semifinal.
Anthony Davis put on a monster performance at Chase Center, but his extended minutes could have an impact as the Warriors target revenge on just a single day of rest.
Standout trends
Warriors are 40-19-1 ATS in their last 60 games at home.
Warriors are 5-1ATS in their last 6 games following a loss.
Lakers are 4-17ATS in their last 21 playoff games as an underdog.
Lakers are 1-6ATS in their last 7 playoff games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5 points.
Suggested bets
Lakers at Warriors - Game Two verdict
Anthony Davis led the way for the Los Angeles Lakers with 30 points, 23 rebounds and four blocks in a dominant game-one performance at the Chase Center.
The Warriors' three-point blitz saw them shoot 40% from beyond the arc, scoring 56% of their points from downtown. Despite that, the Lakers were able to better impose their size and physicality to steal home-court advantage.
Whilst the Lakers got to the free throw line 29 times, the Warriors were limited to six attempts. The home side had no answer for LeBron James and Davis in the paint as they were outscored 54-28.
The Lakers defence was able to apply good pressure on Curry. Despite scoring 25, he was limited to just three assists and saw his space limited in and around the key.
One thing worth noting from game one is the extended minutes the Lakers' stars played. LeBron James played 40 minutes, Anthony Davis 44 and Austin Reaves 39.
Darvin Ham asked a lot of AD and they were the more tired-looking team down the stretch as the Warriors clawed back a 14-point deficit.
The visitors put a lot, physically and emotionally, into securing a crucial game-one win that hands them the home-court advantage. Whilst the Warriors felt their physicality, so will LA.
It's typical of any playoff game between truly elite teams that the losing side will make the necessary adjustments to make the next game closer. The Warriors need to keep finding space from deep whilst freeing up Curry to create.
Vanderbilt did a sound job of guarding Curry, but Steph did give him the run around on screens and more of that might be required.
They also need to come up with a better plan to limit the Lakers' impact around the basket, with Andrew Wiggins, in particular, needing to get a grip on LeBron James' influence.
We can't see the Warriors losing two in a row at home to kick off the series. Steph will find a way to score more and the gap in free throw attempts should close. Back the Warriors to cover the spread!
