Twitter: @GGirlSports. 

The Western Conference Semifinals are underway. The 6th Seed Golden State Warriors (44-38,11-30 Away) will face off against the 7th Seed Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, 23-18 Home). Also, The Boston Celtics currently have the least odds of winning the NBA Championship. The Series is tied 1-1, and Game 3 will be at the Lakers home turf. These two teams will play on 5/6 at 8:30 PM EST, at Crypto.com Arena, located in Los Angeles, California. The matchup will air on ABC. If you are looking for the best betting odds and stats, here is information to know:

NBA Championship Odds: Eastern Conference.

*Odds as of 5/6. *

Golden State Warriors: +600.

Los Angeles Lakers: +600.

NBA Western Conference Semifinals.

GAME 1: Los Angeles Lakers 117 @ Golden State Warriors 112

Betting Odds: Golden State (-4.5), Over/Under 227.
Betting Results: Lakers ML, Lakers +4.5, OVER: 229.

The Golden State Warriors had everything in their favor before the start of the Game. They were favored by -4.5 and were playing at home. Instead, the Lakers made a statement in Game 1. For the Lakers, Anthony Davis showed why he could be the guy. Davis put up an impressive 30 Points, and 23 Rebounds. Although LeBron struggled from the field, D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, and Dennis Schröder all added Points in double figures. The Lakers struggled from the Three-Point range as a team, however, they shot better from the field. The Lakers dominated in rebounds, points inside the paint, and the Warriors had 24 fouls.

For the Warriors, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson combined for a total of 52 Points, and Wiggins added 15. Jordan Poole added in an additional 21 Points off the bench. It’s important to note Center Kevin Looney had a double-double, with 23 Rebounds, and 10 Points. As a team, the Warriors struggled from the field. They got outrebounded, led in fouls, and dominated in points scored in the paint.

Does LeBron James have to do it all against Steph Curry? Not anymore. If anything, Davis can stay healthy, this is the type of player he is. The Lakers didn’t have to unleash Hachimura and had other players that stepped up.
With less than 10 seconds to go, Jordan Poole took a game tying three from about 30 feet. Unfortunately he missed, and the Warriors lost the Game. There was speculation whether Poole had more time or should’ve swung the ball with that much time to go.

GAME 2: Los Angeles Lakers @ Golden State Warriors (Home).

Betting Odds: Golden State (-7), Over/Under 226.5.
Betting Results: Golden State ML, Golden State -732, OVER: 227.

The Golden State Warriors took Game 2 at home, in large part due to their big second and third quarters. The Warriors outscored the Lakers 41-23 in the Second Quarter, and 43-24 in the third quarter. For Golden State, the “Splash Brothers” did not disappoint. Guard Klay Thompson scored 30 Points and shot 8-11 from the Three. In addition, Steph Curry added 20 Points, 12 Assists on 7-12 shooting. Andrew Wiggins, Draymond Green, Jamychal Green, and Moses Moddy all added Points in double figures.

Although the Warriors had 16 turnovers, something they’ve struggled with all seasons, they shot 50 Percent from the Field and the Three. Golden State did an excellent job of outrebounding the Lakers, especially on the defensive end, had more fast break points, and points in the paint.

Besides Hachimura, this Lakers team struggled top to bottom of the rotation. As a team, The Lakers shot 29 Percent from the Three, and Anthony Davis was held to only 6 Rebounds. Although Los Angles started off hot, they couldn’t buy a shot in the next two quarters. LeBron James shot 3-8 from the Three, and much of the Lakers bench struggled as well. In conclusion, the Lakers team was lifeless after the first quarter.

Game 3: Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers (Home).

Golden State: +130
Lakers: -150
Spread: Golden State +3, Lakers -3.
Over/Under: 228.

Injuries:

Golden State Warriors

F Patrick Baldwin Jr. (OUT): Toe
F Andre Iguodala (OUT): Wrist
G Ryan Rollins (OUT)

Los Angeles Lakers

C Mo Bamba (Day-To- Day): Ankle.

Playoffs Recap.

Golden State Warriors.

The Golden State Warriors found themselves down 0-2 against the Sacramento Kings in the NBA Playoffs First Round. They rallied to win the next two games and forced a Game 7 on the road. Not only did the Warriors take Game 7 on the road against the Kings, but they also have a horrendous record in away games this season. In Game 7, star Guard Steph Curry added 50 Points. Throughout this series, we saw terrible shooting, turnovers, ejections, and brilliant game play by Steph Curry.  The Warriors are currently tied with the Los Angeles Lakers 1-1 in the Western Conference Semifinals and look to take a lead tonight.

In the Post Season, Golden State ranks 4th in Points Per Game (116.3), 8th in Three-Point Shooting (35.6), 12th in Free-Throw Percentage (74.2), 3rd in Rebounds (47.7) 1st in Assists (28.6), and 12th in turnovers (13.2).

On the defensive side, the Warriors rank 9h in Opponent Points Per Game (112.6), 11th in Steals (7.4), and 9th in Blocks (4.8).  If the Warriors want to win, they must put the ball in the hands of Steph Curry, play well from the perimeter, and step up on defense, something they struggled with all season long.

Strengths

The Splash Brothers, Three-Point Capability, Chemistry.

The “Splash Brothers” Steph Curry and Klay Thompson are two of the best shooters the NBA will ever see. Thompson came back from injury this season and struggled to find his old form. However, that has not been the case in the playoffs. Both Curry and Thompson are lethal from the three, and two of the best off-ball shooters in the league. In addition, Steph Curry is excellent at creating his own shots, and moving around screens.

In the Postseason, Thompson is averaging 22.1 Points, 2.2 Assists, and 3.7 Rebounds. He’s shooting an impressive 40 percent from Three-Point Range. At age 35, Steph Curry is averaging 31.4 Points, 5.4 Assists, and 4.9 in the Playoffs. He’s shooting 48.6 Percent from the Field and 39.8 Percent from the three. Look for the Warriors to put the ball in the hands of these two players if they want to win.

Golden State may be only shooting 35 Percent from downtown, however, this is a team that has incredible potential from downtown. When the Warriors are hot, they have at least 5 players that can knock down the three-point shot. In Game 2 against the Lakers, Golden State shot 50 Percent from downtown, and Curry and Thompson went a combined 11-16 from the Three. The Warriors have always been a three or bust team, so keep an eye on their shooting percentages.

This is a Warriors Team that has chemistry and has experience together in the Playoffs. Both Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and Head Coach Steve Kerr have 4 NBA Championships in almost a decade and made 7 Playoff appearances. The Golden State Warriors beat the Celtics last year, in large part due to their chemistry. From the coaching to the players, don’t ever count out the Warriors.

Weaknesses.

Lack of consistency in shooting and depth, Turnovers, Defense.

When the Warriors are hot, they are hot. However, they barely shot over 30 Percent from the Three in the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Kings. Although Steph Curry is a staple for this team, the players around him have been inconsistent. One Game, the Warriors shot 50 Percent from downtown, and the next they are shooting 39 Percent. In Game 1 against the Lakers, Curry and Thompson combined for 12-29 on Three-Point Shooting.

The Warriors have bench players in Jordan Poole, Moses Moody, Gary Payton II, Jamychal Green, and Donte Divincenzo. However, their play and their minutes have been inconsistent, which matters when Curry or Thompson struggles. I think the warriors have a talented bench, however, it’s hard to tell who will get minutes night to night.

Golden State struggled defensively and created turnovers for most of the season. In fact, both Golden State and the Sacramento Kings ranked bottom tier in opponent point per game scored. The Warriors had a game high 23 turnovers in Game 2, and will need to limit them, and play tight defense on the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers won the first round series against the Memphis Grizzlies 4-2. Although their Three-Point shooting was underwhelming, the Lakers outrebounded Memphis, came out with key blocks, and shot better from the field.
Los Angeles currently is tied 1-1 with the Golden State Warriors in Round 2 of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals.

As we’ve learned, LeBron has help this time around, and the key around this team is Anthony Davis.
In the Post Season, Los Angeles ranks 13th in Points Per Game (99.8), 16th in Three-Point Shooting (26.8), 14th in Free-Throw Percentage (73.5), 6th in Rebounds (45.3), 16th in Assists (25.3), and 8th in turnovers (12.8).

On the defensive side, the Lakers rank 2nd in Opponent Points Per Game (96.5), 1st in Steals (9.3), and 7th in Blocks (4.5).

Strengths

Size, Rebounding, Role Players.

The Lakers have more size and physicality when it comes to their matchup against the Warriors. As we saw in Game 1, Los Angeles was able to overcome Golden States Threes and attack them down below. Anthony Davis had an incredible game, adding 30 points and over 20 Rebounds. Los Angeles ranks first in blocks, in which Davis had a key block against Curry in the first game. Although Kevin Looney can grab boards down below, AD will be the key when it comes to rebounds.

LeBron has help this time around, and he doesn’t need to do everything himself. If Anthony Davis is on his game, it makes it easier for the entire team. In addition, when Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell carry the ball, it helps take pressure off LeBron. Rui Hachimura, Malik Beasley, Dennis Schroder, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Jarred Vanderbilt can all contribute to the team. Vanderbilt will be important, especially when matched up against Curry. The Lakers Bench added 43 points in Game 2.

Weakness

Three-Point shooting, Perimeter Defense, AD Inconsistency.

The Lakers currently rank 15th in Three Point Percentage in the playoffs, and this is one of their biggest weaknesses. Los Angeles shot only 31 Percent from the Three in their series against Memphis and are shooting 27 Percent against the Warriors. Given the Warriors are a very good team beyond the arc at times, the Lakers will need to match that, or beat them down below.

The Lakers have trouble defending the perimeter, and the Warriors are shooting 44.2 Percent from the Three this series. The key to this series will be to contain Curry and Thompson and make them force tough shots. However, it always seems Curry makes a good portion of hard shots.

The Key to the Lakers this series will be big man Anthony Davis. Davis had a monstrous first game, adding 30 Points, and 23 rebounds. He struggled in Game 2, only adding 11 Points and 7 Rebounds. Davis had key blocks and had 7 blocks in the last two games. When Anthony Davis can’t get around screens, he is forced to guard the Perimeter, leaving Golden State with the rebound. Anthony Davis’s performance will dictate how this team does the rest of the playoffs.

Key Stats- Playoffs

•Golden State averages 116.7 points per game.

•Los Angeles averages 111.3 points per game.

•Golden State ranks 8th in points allowed with 112.6 opponents points per game.

•Los Angeles ranks 6th in points allowed with 108.4 opponents points per game.

•Golden State ranks 3rd in rebounds per game with 47.7.

•Los Angeles ranks 1st in rebounds per game with 48.9.

•Golden State ranks 3rd in point differential at + 4.1

•Los Angeles ranks 6th in point differential at +2.8.

•Golden State ranks 4th in blocked shots with 5 per game.

•Los Angeles ranks 1st in blocked shots with 8.5 per game.

•Golden State averages 35.6 percent from the 3-point range, while Los Angeles averages 30.1 percent from the 3-point range.

LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION

 SPREAD: Lakers -3

-Golden State covered the spread in 5 of their last 10 games.

-Los Angeles covered the spread in 5 of their last 10 games.

-Golden State has a 43-47-1 record ATS this season.

-Los Angeles has a 45-45-1 record ATS this season.

-Los Angeles is 24-21-0 in HOME games ATS this season.

-Golden State is 13-31-0 in AWAY games ATS this season.

Golden State is on the road, and they have a 13-31 record against the spread in away games. The Warriors shot very well as a team, and I think the Lakers will challenge them, especially at home. I think this game will be close, however, give me the Lakers -3 here.

MONEY LINE: Lakers ML

-Golden State won the Money Line 6 out of their last 10 games.

-Los Angeles won the Money Line 7 of their last 10 games.

The Warriors are coming off a Game 2 win that wasn’t even close. They are a terrible team on the road, and the Lakers will be hungry this game. I think the Lakers play better all-around and hit their shots. Give me Lakers Money Line.

OVER/UNDER: OVER

-Golden State Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +1.77.

-Los Angeles Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +0.8.

-Golden State Overall O/U Record: 49-39-3.

-Los Angeles O/U Record: 48-43-0.

-Golden State hit the OVER 6 times in their last 10 games.

-Los Angeles hit the OVER 5 times in their last 10 games.

Game 2 hit the over, and that was limited defense coming from the Los Angeles Lakers. I expect Los Angeles to come back to life, especially playing the Warriors at home. If both teams can hit their shots, I expect a shootout here. Give me the over.

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Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of Ballislife.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter/Twitch/YouTube/Instagram:  @GGirlSports.