NBA action continues on Thursday with an action-packed nine-game slate. It includes a huge clash in the Western Conference playoff race as the Los Angeles Lakers (27-32) host the Golden State Warriors (29-29).
LeBron James has built up a big rivalry with the Warriors throughout the years and we can expect another big performance from him. Bookmaker Bovada has the odds at -115 for James to record over 42.5 points, rebounds and assists in Thursday’s big game.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: February 23rd, 8:30 A.M. (EST)
LeBron has played in only one of the last four games and his appearance in the All-Star Game was limited to just 14 minutes, but he is listed as probable for Thursday and should be on the court. He’s just become the league’s all-time leading scorer and has been having a spectacular campaign so far. James has already crushed it once against Golden State with 31 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists.
Across the whole season, James is averaging 30 points with 8.4 rebounds and seven assists. It’s the 20th season in the league for him, but some would say the King is playing the best basketball of his career. He’ll be very hurt if the Lakers can’t make a strong end-of-the-season run and sneak into the playoffs.
A comfortable home win is expected from the match-up by the bookmakers and the absence of Stephen Curry is the main reason why. He missed the final five games before the break with a leg injury and recent reports are suggesting that Curry still needs at least one week to recover.
With Andrew Wiggins also unavailable for personal reasons, the Warriors will be without two regular starters, which is a major blow to the team’s chances in the game. A lot will hinge on the form of Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole. If they can get going early and perform at a high level all night, Golden State should be able to hang with the Lakers all the way until the end.
The teams have split the two previous meetings this season, with the Warriors pulling away 123-109 in the first game of the campaign and the Lakers getting their revenge on Feb. 11 with a 109-103 victory. The two teams have been very evenly matched in recent seasons with no side winning more than two consecutive games.
