NBA

Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Game 5 Prediction and Odds: 2023 NBA Playoffs

The Los Angeles Lakers are in complete control of this series after winning the last 2 games in LA to gain a 3-1 lead. The defending champions now face almost impossible odds to progress to the Western Conference Finals. Could game 5 be the last for the Dubs Dynasty?

These odds from William Hill were correct at the time of writing.

Warriors vs Lakers Game 5
Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI/ABACAPRESS.COM – Photo by Icon sport

Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers – Game Predictions

The Lakers have expectedly dominated this series with their size and excellent defence. Davies and LeBron had been solid, but with the roster of the Lakers so deep now they also get constant crucial contributions from others and the faltering all-season Warriors simply can’t cope with that. The defending champions return to the Chase Center trailing 1-3 and facing elimination. Apart from Steph Curry no other Warrior has played well in this series. Can the Warriors show some spirit and at least extend the battle? Curry will need support. Could Klay somehow rise from the slump he’s been stuck in all throughout these playoffs?

Prediction 1: Lakers to Score the First Basket

The Warriors quickly realised they can’t match the Lakers in the paint and in the last 3 games, they went small with Draymond Green their biggest player on the court. As a result, AD has won the opening tip in all 4 games of this series so far. In the last 3, this led to the Lakers also scoring the opening basket.

We can easily see this happening again with Darvin Ham always coming up with a solid offensive plan for his first possession.

Prediction 2: Lonnie Walker IV Over 8.5 Points

Our next free betting tip backs the hero from game 4 Lonnie Walker IV to cover his points spread. Walker IV scored 15 points in the 4th quarter of game 4 helping his Lakers to erase a double-digit deficit and to win 104-101.

Walker IV will be full of confidence after this display and in general, he has covered his points spread in all 3 games vs the Warriors he played in. In game 2 he scored 9, in game 3 12 and in game 4 15 points. He also averaged 11.7 points per game during the regular season. After his heroics in the last match, we can easily see him play at least 25 minutes now. All that gives us the confidence to believe in him and his chances to cover his points spread yet again.

Warriors vs Lakers Preview – Can the Warriors postpone destiny?

The Warriors were horrific in the 4th quarter of game 4 and as much as the Lakers played excellent defence it was the defending champions that lost this match 101-104 to trail 1-3. Curry had a triple double but he had very little support from anyone else. Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole had been pathetic all series, between them they had 9 points in game 4 on 3 of 13 shooting.

The big question now is could somebody rise to the occasion and support Curry? The Warriors had some joy in game 4 using the switch a lot and forcing AD to guard Curry. They also scored a lot of points in the paint once Davies was dragged to guard the 3-point line. More of the same will be needed but there will also be a need for another volume scorer apart from Curry if the defending champions want to overpower what had been the best defence in the entire NBA since the tradeline day.

Golden State Warriors News, Injuries, and Starting Lineups

The Warriors will once again play small. Payton II should get lots of easy buckets at the rim as the Lakers double-team Curry. Curry himself will have to remain aggressive and attack the paint every time a switch occurs and AD is guarding him one-on-one.

Golden State Warriors Injury Report:

Patrick Baldwin Jr. is a game-time-decision but he features rarely anyway. Andre Iguodala is out for the entire series.

Golden State Warriors Starting Lineup:

Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Andrew Wiggins, Garry Payton II and Draymond Green

Los Angeles Lakers News, Injuries, and Starting Lineups

The Lakers are likely to trust the same starting lineup. However, both Schroder and Walker IV can be expected to play at least 25-30 minutes each coming off the bench. Vanderbilt will feature for his defence early but late in the game he’s not likely to see much use.

Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report:

Mo Bamba is out for the Lakers with an ankle injury. Anthony Davis and LeBron James are listed as  game-time-decision. Both superstars are expected to suit up and play.

Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup:

D’Angelo Russell, LeBron James, Jared Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves

Warriors vs Lakers Head to Head Record In 2023

The Lakers won the regular season series 3-1 against the Warriors.

Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Game Details

Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction

  • Date & Time: The game’s tip-off is scheduled for Thursday, May 11, 03:00 am GMT
  • Venue: The game will be played at the Chase Center, San Francisco, California
  • Where to watch in the UK: Sky Sports or NBA League Pass.


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About the author

Iskra

Iskra had a promising, at least she believed so, tennis and volleyball careers as a junior but a series of injuries ended her hopes to become a professional athlete very early.

Instead, she focused all her energy on her other passion, writing. For over a decade, Iskra had been a freelance sports writer. Football, basketball and tennis are the main fields of her expertise.