The NBA is back in full effect today, and as the US slowly climbs out of its chill, so will a lot of the players! What better way to kick things of with the proverbial 2nd half of this season than a quick guide into tonight’s game between the Golden State Warriors, and my favorite- The Los Angeles Lakers!

The #LakeShow will be without LeBron James tonight due to right ankle soreness, which leaves the door wide open for players Rui Hachimura, D’Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis to step up in a scoring capacity. Over their 3-game winning streak, the Lakers have managed to get these 3 into the 20-point scoring margin, have scored in the 30-point range for 2 of these games and have managed to put together a better-than-normal 3-point percentage. This game will be a test to see if all of those stats will hold true against an equally-rising Dubs squad whom have also managed great wins in the week before the All-Star Break.

I’m placing my money where my mouth (see: Twitter/X fingers) are on the following:

  • Anthony Davis Over 14.5 Rebounds– still no presence from the Dubs for opponents’ Rebounds despite Draymond’s return
  • Lakers 1st Quarter Moneyline – the Lakers and Dubs traditionally play tight 1Qs and the Lakers are on a hot one!
  • D’Angelo Russell Over 19.5 points – Ever since his benching about 5 games back, DLo has been on fire in the scoring margin. If his scoring keeps consistent, it will be a big key tonight’s win

Lastly, this game is going to be a lightning rod of attention to the Western Conference. These two teams are play-in bound at present, but no lead is safe at the top as a mere 9.5 games separates 10th (GSW) and 2nd (OKC). I’m picking the Lakers (+4) in dogfight to eke this one out! Let’s go Lakeshow!