Take a look at our Lakers vs Warriors predictions for Tuesday, October 21! Our NBA guru Keith Eyster has a full opening night preview for Luka vs. Steph, with the best betting angles, props, and picks to attack.
The new season is upon us, and there are no shortage of storylines on opening night! The Luka era in Los Angeles continues, and we’ll see if he can carry the Lakers early in the season.
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Lakers vs Warriors Predictions – Tuesday, October 21
LeBron James will miss the start of the season due to sciatica in his back. Initially given a 3–4 week recovery timeline, recent reports now indicate that James is expected to be out for at least five weeks.
In his absence, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves will shoulder much of the offensive workload. Deandre Ayton, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Maxi Kleber each dealt with minor injuries during the preseason but returned for the team’s final tune-up and are expected to play Tuesday night.
For Golden State, Jimmy Butler recently tweaked his ankle, but an MRI revealed no structural damage, and he’s expected to be available for the opener. Moses Moody, however, is listed as doubtful with a left calf strain.
If Moody is unable to play, either Brandin Podziemski or Buddy Hield is likely to move into the starting lineup, with the other providing increased minutes off the bench.
Lakers Predictions and Preview
Luka Doncic enters his first full season as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers after last year’s shocking blockbuster trade at the deadline.
Early reports from training camp have been glowing for Doncic, as he has drawn praise for his conditioning and focus, with the familiar “best shape of his life” narrative echoing throughout the organization.
He appears more motivated than ever to prove that Los Angeles can once again contend for a championship.
The 40-year-old LeBron James is set to make history when he begins his 23rd NBA season, but that milestone will have to wait as he recovers from a back injury.
With James sidelined to open the year, this has officially become the Luka show in Los Angeles. His void makes it a little trickier to project our Lakers vs Warriors predictions.
In games without LeBron last season, Doncic averaged a staggering 30.4 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 8.8 assists, which highlights how dominant he can be as the primary engine of the offense.
Austin Reaves is poised to take on an even larger role, seeing increased playmaking duties and more time with the ball in his hands.
Coming off the best season of his career, one in which he averaged over 20 points per game, Reaves has become a crucial two-way contributor and secondary facilitator next to Doncic.
Newly acquired Deandre Ayton aims to bring stability to the center position. His recent comments on his defense have been encouraging for Lakers fans, though it remains to be seen whether those words translate into consistent impact on the court.
Meanwhile, the void left by LeBron’s absence will feature a rotating cast that includes Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, and Maxi Kleber.
If the Lakers can get (and stay) healthy, they have the talent to be a top-tier team in the Wes
Warriors Predictions and Preview
The Warriors enter the new season with renewed optimism after a strong finish to last year.
The midseason acquisition of Jimmy Butler proved transformative, as his two-way intensity elevated an already elite defense while providing a dependable scoring complement to Stephen Curry.
Golden State surged down the stretch before Curry’s hamstring injury derailed their playoff hopes in the second round. Now healthy and reloaded, the Warriors once again look like a serious contender in the Western Conference.
Draymond Green returns for his 14th season, anchoring the team’s defensive identity and leadership, while the offseason addition of veteran big man Al Horford adds a stabilizing presence in the frontcourt.
On the perimeter, Moses Moody, Brandin Podziemski, and Buddy Hield are all expected to play key rotation roles, spacing the floor and keeping defenses honest from beyond the arc. The re-signing of Jonathan Kuminga on a new two-year deal also provides a boost of athleticism and versatility off the bench.
The question now is whether Golden State can sustain its late-season dominance across the full 82-game slate.
If Butler and Curry can stay healthy and the supporting cast continues to develop, the Warriors have the depth, experience, and balance to make another deep postseason run.
With a blend of proven veterans and emerging contributors, the Dubs once again appear built to contend for a spot among the Western Conference elite.
Lakers vs Warriors Props and Picks Today
You can back pretty much any player you want on Underdog.
Luka Doncic Higher/Lower 47.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Luka averaged 43.8 PRA per game as a member of the Lakers last season. In five games with LeBron James inactive, that number jumped to 49.3 PRA.
The Warriors project to have an excellent defense again this season, but “best shape of his life” Luka seems to have something to prove on opening night. I like the “higher than” with LeBron sidelined.
Stephen Curry 25.5 Higher/Lower Points
Last season, Curry averaged 22.7 points per game with a 29.1% usage rate before the arrival of Jimmy Butler. Surprisingly, those numbers jumped to 27.3 PPG and 30.8% USG alongside Jimmy Butler. Does the improvement carry over to this season? Does Steph see a decline in 3P% for a fourth consecutive season?
Jimmy Butler Higher/Lower 30.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Butler flipped a switch when he arrived with the Warriors. He immediately had renewed interest and began playing more assertive basketball, bumping his per-game averages in all three categories. He finished last season averaging 29.3 PRA as a member of the Warriors. The absence of LeBron James on the other side should be beneficial to Butler.
Austin Reaves Higher/Lower 32.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
In five games last season playing alongside Luka Doncic with LeBron James inactive, Reaves averaged 25.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 6.6 assists – or 38.0 PRA. Sure, the Warriors are a tough matchup, and we need to account for the arrival of Deandre Ayton, but this number feels a touch low.
