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Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles: NBA Match Preview & Prediction
On Thursday, December 25th, 2024–25 NBA season, the champions of the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors, will face off against the reigning champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, at the Chase Center.
Unfortunately for the other team, a second consecutive loss would put a damper on their holiday spirit, and only one of these teams can get back on track here after suffering disappointing home losses in their last matches.
Previous Matches and Head-to-head
The Golden State Warriors' terrible form continued on Tuesday as they lost 105-111 to the Indiana Pacers. Just 48 hours earlier, they had broken a three-game losing streak by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-103.
Steve Kerr's squad had an eight-point lead to erase going into halftime, but they cut it in half in the third quarter and had a late comeback effort thwarted despite having the second-highest scoring first half in the prior twelve games.
The Warriors, who really needed Steph Curry to have a better offensive night—he scored 10 points on 2-for-13 shooting—could have used Jonathan Kuminga to lead the way with 26 points, his best scoring performance off the bench this term.
The Warriors' recent losing streak of ten games in thirteen days has dropped their record to 15-13, good for eighth place in the Western Conference. They are one game behind their next-to-last opponent in the standings, having played one fewer game.
The Warriors and the Lakers have a history of high-scoring games; the four competitive meetings in 2024 yielded an average of 257.5 points, with the 145-144 thriller in January contributing significantly.
The hosts on Thursday should be favored to win this game because they have won their last three league games, one Summer League match, and two preseason contests.
In their most recent losing streak since November's six-game run, the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Detroit Pistons 114-117 at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday, spoiling their hopes of completing a four-game winning streak.
JJ Redick's squad made a comeback from a slim first-quarter deficit to enter halftime with a slim lead, but they went on to lose the next two quarters and their third game in front of their supporters.
In his eighth triple-double of the season, LeBron James scored 28 points (10-16 shooting from the field), grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 11 assists. He will turn 40 in just six days.
The Lakers need consistency as they attempt to gain ground in the postseason race; they are now in sixth place, behind local rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers. In December, they split their ten games, winning five and losing the other five.
The visiting team will be aiming for their third consecutive road victory in Thursday's game, which will be their last road appearance of 2024. They will finish the year playing home games against the Sacramento Kings and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Golden State Warriors x Los Angeles Team News
The only injury that the Warriors have to worry about is Gary Payton II, who is 32 years old and missed the loss to the Pacers because of a calf problem.
After overcoming injury concerns to participate in the game above, Draymond Green and Moses Moody are expected to start for both teams on Thursday
Jarred Vanderbilt will not be ready to play for the Lakers until early January due to a setback in his recovery from a knee injury. He is a sure bet to miss this game.
Jaxson Hayes (ankle) and Christian Wood (knee) are also unavailable for the visitors, although both men are closing in on returning to action as early as next week.
Jalen Hood-Schifino is now nursing a hamstring condition and is a significant question alongside D'Angelo Russell, who may be unable to lock horns against his previous employers, having gone off with a hand injury against the Pistons.
Our Predictions
Golden State Warriors to win @ 1.60 on Sky247.ng
Both clubs realize a victory here may be the impetus for beginning on a winning run. Therefore we anticipate them to be prepared for the task. We can see the Warriors doing enough to see off the Lakers and offer their supporters a Christmas gift.
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