Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Predictions for Friday October 30 2026
The Lakers beat Golden State by 22 points when these teams met last week. Now they’re going to San Francisco, and the Warriors are going to get another shot at them. I know Golden State has been playing better since that loss, but I still like the Lakers. They’ve won four of their first five games, they’re unbeaten on the road, and they’ve already shown they can score against this Warriors defense. That’s a pretty good starting point.
Los Angeles visits Chase Center in San Francisco on Friday, October 30, with tipoff at 10:00 PM ET on Prime Video. It’s an NBA Cup group game, and the Lakers are favored by 1.5 points. The total is 236.5. That’s a much smaller spread than the first meeting, and I think Golden State deserves some respect after winning its last two games. But I’m still taking Los Angeles. Be prepared for all the NBA action with our free NBA picks.
Los Angeles Lakers Have Been Scoring Plenty
The Lakers are 4-1, including 2-0 on the road. They opened the season by beating Golden State 127-105, then knocked off the Clippers 125-117 and Utah 132-123. Portland handed them their only loss Tuesday, winning 136-129, but Los Angeles bounced back Wednesday with a 103-87 win over the Clippers. That last game was a completely different kind of win. The Lakers didn’t score much, but they defended well enough that it didn’t matter.
Los Angeles has been averaging about 123 points a game and allowing around 114. That’s a pretty good combination. The Lakers have been shooting efficiently, and they’ve been getting enough offense from different spots to keep opponents guessing. Against Golden State in the opener, they scored 127 and won by 22. The Warriors have been allowing more than 120 points a game, so I don’t see why the Lakers can’t get good shots again. The question is whether Golden State can make this a faster, higher-scoring game and put more pressure on Los Angeles.
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Luka Doncic is the biggest injury question for the Lakers. He’s been dealing with a back problem, and one matchup report lists him as out, while other reports have him day-to-day. That’s something I’d want confirmed before betting. Los Angeles is also missing Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr, with Ziaire Williams appearing on the injury report as well. The Lakers have been winning despite those absences, but Doncic’s status matters a lot. If he plays, I like Los Angeles even more. If he’s out, the Lakers will need more from their other scorers.
Golden State Warriors Have Been Better Lately
Golden State is 2-3, but the Warriors have won two straight after losing their first three games. They beat Denver 134-114 Monday, then went into Minnesota Wednesday and won 119-114. Those are two good road wins. Golden State has been scoring better, moving the ball and getting more comfortable offensively. That’s why I wouldn’t expect another 22-point Lakers win. The Warriors are playing better basketball than they were opening night.
Golden State is averaging about 117 points and allowing around 121. The offense has been improving, but the defense still worries me. The Warriors gave up 127 to the Lakers, 131 to Phoenix and 123 to Memphis in their first three games. They’ve been better the last two, but Los Angeles has enough scoring to make them work. Golden State has been shooting well from three, and that’s the biggest danger for the Lakers. If the Warriors start making threes early, this could turn into a game where both teams are scoring 120 or more.
Stephen Curry is still the player Golden State relies on when it needs a basket. He can change a game in a few minutes, and that’s why I wouldn’t get too comfortable with a Lakers lead. The Warriors are missing Jimmy Butler III following knee surgery, Moses Moody is out with a knee injury, and Kristaps Porzingis is unavailable. Yaxel Lendeborg has also been dealing with a foot problem. That’s a lot of missing help. Golden State has played well without those guys lately, but the Lakers have already shown they can take advantage of this lineup.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Predictions
Los Angeles Lakers -1.5 (-105)
I’m laying the point and a half with the Lakers. Golden State has won two straight, and beating Denver and Minnesota on the road is impressive. But Los Angeles is 4-1, hasn’t lost away from home, and already beat the Warriors by 22. I know the first meeting doesn’t guarantee anything Friday, but it tells me the Lakers can score against this defense. The one thing that could change the pick is Doncic’s status. If he’s out, this gets a lot closer. But with the information available now, I still trust Los Angeles to make enough plays late. Lakers by five or six.
Under 236.5 Points (-110)
I’m taking Under 236.5, although I don’t love betting an Under with these two offenses. Golden State just scored 134 against Denver, and the Lakers put up 129 against Portland. Both teams can score in bunches. But Los Angeles just held the Clippers to 87, and Golden State has been defending better over its last two games. I think both teams will try to avoid the kind of defensive mistakes that hurt them earlier in the season. The danger is Curry getting hot from three and the Lakers answering with quick baskets. But I can see this finishing around 119-113 Los Angeles, which keeps us under the number.
Final Picks: Los Angeles Lakers -1.5 (-105) and Under 236.5 Points (-110)
Preview prepared October 29, 2026.
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