Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors on Thursday, January 21 is about as close to a coin flip as the ratings get, with the Lakers at only 57%. Small things like rest, health and shooting variance should decide it.
Why it is so close
The Win Meter reads the Lakers 57%, with a projected score of Los Angeles Lakers 114, Golden State Warriors 113. The rating gap is 146 points in favor of the Lakers, and home court and rest add about 99 rating points for the Warriors on top of that.
Readings in this range leave plenty of room for the other side. About 43 times in 100 games like this, the Warriors would win.
Recent form
The Lakers are 2-0 this season and 2-3 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of -3.2. The Warriors are 0-2 this season and 1-4 in their last 5 games, with an average margin of -8.
The Lakers' best recent win was 127-105 at home against GSW.
The Lakers were beaten 131-108 at home by OKC not long ago.
The Warriors were beaten 127-105 on the road by LAL not long ago.
Injuries to watch
Out: Cameron Carr (LAL), expected back Oct 27, 2026, Adou Thiero (LAL), expected back Oct 27, 2026, Kristaps Porzingis (GSW), expected back Dec 1, 2026, Jimmy Butler (GSW), expected back Jan 2, 2027, and Moses Moody (GSW), expected back Dec 1, 2026.
Day to day or questionable: Walker Kessler (LAL) and Charles Bassey (GSW). Their status can change before tip-off.
The season series
In our records of recent meetings, the Lakers lead 7-2, with the Lakers outscoring the Warriors by an average of 8.3 points per game. The last meeting was GSW 105, LAL 127.