Warriors vs. Lakers prediction and odds for Game 6 (Can GSW force a Game 7?)

By Peter Dewey | May 11, 2023

May 10, 2023; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates against Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the first quarter in game five of the 2023 NBA playoffs conference semifinals round at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

The defending champion Golden State Warriors are still alive, forcing a Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers after winning at home in Game 5.

Golden State is looking to win three straight games for the second time this postseason to beat the Lakers and advance to the Western Conference Finals. After Anthony Davis went down in Game 5, the Lakers faithful held their collective breath, but it appears he is good to go for Game 6.

Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis (head injury) is expected to be available for Game 6 on Friday barring a setback, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 11, 2023

The Lakers are a perfect 6-0 at home in the postseason (counting the Play-In tournament), but can they close out a dangerous Warriors team that nearly won Game 4?

Golden State is going to need contributions up and down the board to win on the road, but oddsmakers expect this to be a closer game than some may expect:

Warriors vs. Lakers odds, spread and total

Warriors vs. Lakers prediction and pick

A Game 7 in this series would be an epic matchup, and I actually think there is a chance that it happens.

Golden State fumbled a double-digit second half lead in Game 4, and it hasn’t even gotten a top-notch game from Stephen Curry (6-for-25 from 3 in his last two games) since earlier in the series.

With Davis banged up, the Warriors may be able to take advantage on a short turnaround with Game 6 scheduled for Friday night.

The Warriors have made an adjustment to force Davis into every pick-and-roll scenario, and it’s opened up some easier baskets, mainly for Andrew Wiggins and Draymond Green.

Despite Jordan Poole, Klay Thompson and Donte DiVincenzo struggling with their shots, Golden State has managed to win two games and come within two possessions in two others in this series.

I’ll take a shot on Steph and company as road dogs to force a winner-take-all Game 7 on Sunday.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.