Tonight’s game could be a pivotal one for the Warriors who still haven’t given up hope on catching the 9th seeded Lakers. Only 1.5 games separate the two teams, a win here would clinch the regular season series for Golden State and equal the two teams in the loss column, so there will be plenty of motivation on their side. Will that be enough to beat a loaded Lakers team? The only win LA got in head-to-head meetings was by 1 point in double OT towards the end of January, the Warriors appear to have their number this season. This team is also no stranger to winning on the road, they’ve gone 5-1 SU in their last 6 away games. Andrew Wiggins also got upgraded to probable here, his play has really picked up in the 2nd half of March.
An eye injury to Anthony Davis and LeBron James sitting out with flu like symptoms cost the Lakers their latest game, a 127-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The loss was a disappointing one as LA had the chance to leap over the Kings in the standings, but with Sacramento having the tie-breaker that seems unlikely now. LeBron James is expected back in the line-up here, this could very well be the game of the season for the Lakers. They are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games, 9-2 SU in their last 11 and have covered in 6 of their last 9. Whoever gets the win here will host the 9 vs 10 play-in tournament game, in a one-off game that’s proven to be a big advantage over the past couple of seasons.
