Warriors vs. Lakers Game 3 Prediction, Schedule & Odds: NBA Playoffs

In a second round NBA Playoff series for the ages between two prestigious franchises in the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, featuring two of the greatest to ever play the game in LeBron James and Stephen Curry, NBA fans are being treated to a hard-fought back-and-forth affair with plenty of popcorn entertainment.

After a two-game split in San Francisco, the Warriors head to Los Angeles for Game 3 with an 8:30 PM ET tip-off set for Saturday, May 6. After an impressive showing from the Lakers to open the series and steal Game 1, the Warriors followed with a dominant win in Game 2. Game 3 may be difficult to analyze, but we have an expert Warriors vs. Lakers prediction to fulfill your betting needs.

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WARRIORS VS. LAKERS PREDICTION: Under 227.5 Total Points (-112 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

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Warriors vs. Lakers Series Results Thus Far

On the back of a monster performance from Anthony Davis in Game 1, the Lakers were able to seal a monumental victory at Golden State – by a final score of 117-112. Despite the Warriors playing pretty stellar basketball with Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole each cashing six threes, Davis and the Lakers made their living inside and on the glass. Their physicality won out against a finesse approach from the defending champion Warriors.

But the Warriors wouldn’t be the greatest 21st Century NBA franchise under this specific regime if they weren’t open to adjustments. Even playing some great ball in Game, Steve Kerr and his players knew that they would have to make Davis a non-factor.

Thanks to some key minutes from JaMychal Green, some pesky defense from Draymond Green, a shooting clinic put on by Thompson and an assist parade dished by Curry, The Warriors opened Game 2 with a more physical approach.

On defense, they didn’t allow the Lakers to get to the rim or live at the free-throw line. On offense, they took what they were given and opened with an inside-out approach, before going on a torrid three-point barrage in the second half.

A competitive first half from the Lakers, highlighted by LeBron and emerging role player Rui Hachimura, could not be sustained with Davis never being able to take charge and make an impact on the game. The Warriors all but ended the game in the third quarter, clicking on all cylinders and knocking down eight from beyond the arc. As a result, the Warriors secured a 2127-100 bounce-back win to shift the series to LA at one game apiece.

We could have a good-ol fashioned game of checkers on our hands as each team seeks adjustment advantages. For our top Warriors vs. Lakers prediction, we are focusing on the Lakers getting back to basics and slowing down the game a bit at home.

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 3 Predictions for 5/6

The Warriors vs. Lakers prediction we feel most confident in is this game going under 227.5 total points. Now, any time Curry and the Warriors take the court makes for a scary prospect concerning the under. However, pairing the Warriors’ road woes in 2023, the Lakers’ improved defense since the trade deadline and the Lakers’ need to play through Davis inside and slow this game down, we like Game 3 to be a bruiser that goes down to the wire.

Look for Laker head coach Darvin Ham and leader LeBron James to stress setting the tone with a downhill attack going to the hoop. We would be shocked to see the Lakers settle for any jump shots early in tomorrow night’s contest.

With the Warriors adjusting quite well to the Laker personnel after Game 1, we could see an even struggle in Game 3 as each opponent tries to adjust and feel each other out for weakness. This, to us, spells the under.

The Lakers doubled Curry a lot in game 2, and he showed willingness to pass out of it and find open cutters going to the rim. Draymond Green was very physical with Davis, pushing him out of the lane. Expect the Lakers to take their chances playing more one-on-one with Curry and Davis to get a lot of early touches and force his will in Game 3.

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NBA Picks & Game 3 Best Bets for Warriors vs. Lakers Including Under 227.5 (-112) Total Points

Our top Warriors vs. Lakers prediction is on the under total points scored (227.5 at -112 on FanDuel). Aside from this, there a few other picks we like, listed below:

• Lakers on the money line (-154 at FanDuel)
• Anthony Davis over 23.5 points (-125 at FanDuel)
• Stephen Curry under 30.5 points (-113 at FanDuel)

We like the Lakers to impose their will, get back to being physical and playing inside to slow down this game. We expect a lot of free-throw attempts from the likes of Anthony Davis and LeBron. Look for the Lakers to be physical with Curry and keep him from torching them.

The Lakers should have a chance to win this game in front of a rowdy crowd at home in the final minutes. Tail any of our picks after tapping the link here to sign up at FanDuel with their new-user promo.

How to Bet on Under 227.5 Total Points at FanDuel Sportsbook & Earn $150 Worth of Bonus Bets

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To bet on Warriors vs. Lakers Game 3, just click ‘NBA’ under “Popular” on FanDuel’s left side home menu. Scroll down just a tad until you see Saturday’s two-game slate, featuring Warriors vs. Lakers second. The point total is readily clickable to bet from this view, listed third after point spread and money line markets.

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FanDuel’s Latest Game 3 Betting Lines, Odds & Spreads for Warriors vs. Lakers

The latest betting for the primary markets are displayed here, with odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook:

• Point spread: Golden State Warriors +3.5 (-114) vs. Los Angeles Lakers -3.5 (-106)
• Money line: Golden State Warriors (+130) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (-154)
• Point total: Over 227.5 (-108) vs. Under 227.5 (-112)

Warriors vs. Lakers Playoff Schedule

Here is the scheduled series for Warriors vs. Lakers, with possible Game 6 and Game 7 times yet to be determined, if necessary:

• Tuesday, May 2 - Lakers vs. Warriors -- LAKERS WIN
• Thursday, May 4 - Lakers vs. Warriors -- WARRIORS WIN
• Saturday, May 6 - Warriors vs. Lakers -- 8:30 PM ET -- ABC
• Monday, May 8 - Warriors vs. Lakers -- 10 PM ET
• Wednesday, May 10 - Lakers vs. Warriors -- Time TBD (if necessary)
• Friday, May 12 - Warriors vs. Lakers -- Time TBD (if necessary)
• Sunday, May 14 - Lakers vs. Warriors -- Time TBD (if necessary)

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