{"id":22435,"date":"2026-10-22T09:29:24","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T23:29:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bb-auae-prd-ext-blog-01.azurewebsites.net\/?p=22435"},"modified":"2026-10-22T09:29:24","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T23:29:24","slug":"nba-tips-warriors-vs-lakers-preview-and-best-bets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/prdextblog01.bluebet.com.au\/nba\/nba-tips-warriors-vs-lakers-preview-and-best-bets\/","title":{"rendered":"NBA Tips: Warriors vs Lakers Preview and Best Bets"},"content":{"rendered":"
It was a huge opening night with some early statements made, and now we get 11 games on Thursday including the new-look Lakers hosting the Golden State Warriors.<\/p>\n
A depleted Warriors outfit heads to LA to face a new-look Lakers outfit, minus LeBron James.<\/p>\n
Luka Doncic has always had the keys to this team since he was traded there, but now he really has free rein with LeBron heading to Philadelphia.<\/p>\n
As for Golden State, Steph continues to be their focal point, but without Jimmy Butler, Kristaps Porzingis and Brandin Podziemski, they enter their opening game with an uphill battle.<\/p>\n
In the Lakers’ season opener in LA in the post-LeBron era, I can see Luka making a major statement.<\/p>\n
In his 15 games without LeBron last season, Luka averaged 35.1 points, hitting 30+ in 11 of those games including his last six.<\/p>\n
Luka has dropped 30 on the Warriors in three of their last five meetings, including 43 two starts back. 40+ would not surprise me.<\/p>\n
Although averaging 29 minutes per game off the bench for the Sixers last season, he really did fall out of favour, especially late.<\/p>\n
Quentin Grimes now enters this Lakers outfit as a crucial two-way starter for JJ Redick’s men, and his usage will benefit in this role.<\/p>\n
Last season he hit double figures in 49 of his 59 games where he played 25+ minutes. I think he gets much better looks playing alongside Luka in this team.<\/p>\n
Over the back end of last season the Brazilian was great for the Warriors, and he is able to help fill the void left by Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis.<\/p>\n
Santos hit double digits in 10 of his last 13 games without the duo last season, averaging 12.9 points.<\/p>\n
He hit double digits in 27 of his last 34 games of last season.<\/p>\n