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Best NBA Prop Bets for Lakers vs. Warriors (Back This LeBron James Prop, Warriors in First Quarter)

By Peter Dewey

Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James.
Los Angeles Lakers small forward LeBron James. / Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
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The defending champion Golden State Warriors open the 2022-23 season against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night. 

The Warriors come into this season after an offseason of turmoil with Draymond Green punching Jordan Poole, but the team looks to be back on track after not issuing a suspension to Green.

Golden State takes on a new-look Lakers team, but Los Angeles really struggled in the preseason. Is that a bad omen for tonight’s game? 

I shared my pick for this matchup, but what about some props? Here are three I am considering for Lakers-Warriors: 

Lakers vs. Warriors Best NBA Prop Bets

  • Warriors First Quarter -2 vs. Lakers (-115)
  • Andrew Wiggins OVER 5.5 Rebounds (+120)
  • LeBron James OVER 5.5 Assists (-150)

Warriors First Quarter -2 vs. Lakers (-115)

The Lakers were 20th in the NBA in first quarter scoring margin last season, and now they take on a Golden State team that was eighth in first quarter scoring margin (plus-2.2) at home last season. 

The Warriors are going to be pumped up from the ring ceremony prior to the game, and Los Angeles has a lot to work through with a new rotation. Will Russell Westbrook start? Who replaces Malik Monk?

I’d much rather back the continuity of the Warriors early in this game. 

Andrew Wiggins OVER 5.5 Rebounds (+120)

This prop depends on the sportsbook, as I bet this at DraftKings at 5.5, but many others have it at 6.5. 

Andrew Wiggins found something on the glass in the postseason for Golden State, grabbing 7.5 rebounds per game on their Finals run. Wiggins only averaged 4.5 rebounds per game last season, but the Warriors will need him on the glass against a Lakers team that could play big with Anthony Davis at the power forward at points on Tuesday. 

LeBron James OVER 5.5 Assists (-150)

LeBron James averaged 6.2 assists per game last season, and it was one of the lower totals of his career because he was asked to score so much for a flawed roster. 

With Anthony Davis back, I think there is some value on taking James to pick up six or more assists. In 22 games with Davis last season, James’ assists jumped to 6.8 per game. It’s not a huge jump, but with this number at 5.5, I like the OVER. 

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.

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