The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors renew their rivalry on NBA Opening Night at Crypto.com Arena, tipping off at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesday. The Warriors, coming off a 48-34 campaign, enter the season favored by 2.5 points over the defending Pacific Division champion Lakers, who finished 50-32 last year.
LeBron James will miss the start of the season due to sciatica, with his return expected in mid-November. In his absence, the spotlight turns to Luka Donฤiฤ and Austin Reaves to carry the offense. Los Angeles has gone just 1-6 in season openers during the LeBron era, but this is the first time Donฤiฤ will lead the team on opening night.
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Warriors Bring Momentum โ and Jimmy Butler
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Golden State is quietly entering the season with renewed confidence. The Warriors went 23-7 after acquiring Jimmy Butler from Miami last February, ranking third in net rating over that span and first in defensive rating.
Stephen Curry, entering his 17th NBA season, remains the focal point of the Warriorsโ offense after averaging 24.5 points, six assists, and 311 made threes last season. Butler, meanwhile, averaged 17.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds in 30 games with Golden State.
Lakersโ Hope Lies in Doncic and Reaves
Donฤiฤ averaged 28.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in 28 games for Los Angeles last season after his midseason trade. With James sidelined, Reaves will share primary playmaking duties.
Reaves averaged 27.9 points, 8.3 assists, and 6.6 rebounds in nine games without LeBron last year. His prop line for Tuesday sits at 22.5 points, and betting models project value in the over.
Prediction: Warriors Moneyline (-130)
Golden Stateโs depth, defensive chemistry, and balance give them a narrow edge. Los Angeles has the star power, but without James, the Warriorsโ experience and Butlerโs two-way impact should prevail on opening night.
Pick: Warriors moneyline (-130); Austin Reaves Over 22.5 Points (-111).
