Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 2 Picks: Can the Warriors Bounce Back?
The Golden State Warriors don’t need to worry after their Game One loss to the Lakers. It’s unlikely to be a death knell for the reigning champions, and they have a good chance to bounce back in Game Two. Home teams have won 15 straight Game 2s after losing the series opener, and the Game 1 home losers have also covered five of six next tries already this postseason.
Current NBA Odds: Golden State Warriors -.5 O/U 227 vs. Los Angeles Lakers (updated betting odds)
The Lakers made the most of their rest advantage on Tuesday night, catching Golden State a bit drained after their Game 7 do-or-die at Sacramento. Although Anthony Davis was dominant in Game 1, the Warriors looked like the fresher team down the stretch. The Lakers will likely stick to what worked for them in the opener, but AD has never sustained that level of performance throughout a series.
The Warriors are a versatile team that can play big or small, slow the tempo or hit overdrive. Steph Curry looked a bit tired after his big 50 on Sunday, but LA didn’t take away the Warriors’ three-point looks. The Lakers’ three-point accuracy has been poor in the playoffs, and this could prove costly if it doesn’t improve. LeBron James has a sore foot, and AD has hip issues, which could limit their playing time if the deficit grows in the second half. Steve Kerr will likely find some effective lineups after taking the Lakers’ best punch in the opener and still having a chance in the final seconds. The zig-zag pattern is at work again, and both sides landed well “under” in their Game 2s of the first round.
NBA Pick Prediction: Golden State and the Under.
