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Stephen Curry, Luka Doncic headline Warriors-Lakers opener without LeBron James
Even without LeBron James, there’s no shortage of star power when the Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena in the second game of the NBA’s Opening Night doubleheader.
Stephen Curry begins his 17th season for Golden State, while Luka Doncic enters his first full campaign with Los Angeles after being acquired from Dallas last February. James’ 23rd NBA season will be delayed up to a month as he recovers from sciatica, leaving Doncic and Austin Reaves to carry the early scoring load.
Los Angeles added Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia to bolster its core. Curry will lead a veteran Warriors group that also features Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green. Both teams are coming off early playoff exits and hope to reassert themselves in the West.
You can track more Opening Night previews and betting breakdowns on the NBA previews page
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Line Movement and Odds
According to the NBA odds board the Lakers opened as 2.5-point home favorites with a total of 231. The line has shifted slightly toward Golden State, now +1.5 at most books, with sharp money showing early support for the Warriors.
The total ticked up from 231 to 232.5 after reports confirmed Butler and Ayton would both be available. Public tickets are leaning about 60% on Los Angeles, but sharper bettors are grabbing the points with Golden State.
Moneyline action mirrors the spread: Lakers around -120, Warriors +100.
Matchup Breakdown
Curry’s health is the key for Golden State. When he’s on the floor, their offensive rating jumps over 10 points per 100 possessions. The Warriors ranked near the top of the league in pace last season but struggled with turnovers, averaging over 20 per game this preseason — an issue Steve Kerr highlighted.
The Lakers are transitioning into a Doncic-centric attack while they await LeBron’s return. Expect heavy pick-and-roll usage with Ayton and plenty of catch-and-shoot looks for Reaves and Smart. Defensively, Los Angeles was third in opponent field goal percentage last season, but communication will be tested with multiple new starters.
If the Warriors can control tempo and limit turnovers, they’re live to cover and win outright. Bettors can review more matchup stats and betting context through the Free NBA Picks page
Injuries and Conditions
Golden State Warriors
- Jimmy Butler (ankle) — Probable
- Moses Moody (calf) — Out
- Jonathan Kuminga (ankle) — Questionable
- Brandin Podziemski (hip) — Questionable
- Al Horford (load management) — Limited minutes
Los Angeles Lakers
- LeBron James (sciatica) — Out
- Gabe Vincent (starting in place of James) — Active
- Deandre Ayton (ankle) — Probable
No weather factors apply as the game is indoors at Crypto.com Arena.
Latest Betting Trends
- Warriors are 5-1 ATS in their last six season openers.
- Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games vs Golden State.
- Under is 7-3 in the past 10 meetings in Los Angeles.
- Warriors went 8-4 ATS as road underdogs last season.
More trend analysis and market data can be found in the NBA expert betting guide
Golden State’s veterans should look sharper early, and Curry’s shooting rhythm could set the tone. Expect Doncic to post big numbers, but the Lakers’ new rotation may take time to sync.
Projected score: Warriors 118, Lakers 114
Best Bet: Warriors +1.5
Secondary Lean: Under 232.5
Find full betting recaps and score updates on the NBA game results page
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