All Lakers Expert Predictions For Opening Game Of Golden State-LA Series

Can Los Angeles pull off a second straight upset?

Tonight at the Chase Center, the West's sixth-seeded Golden State Warriors (44-38) will host your seventh-seeded Los Angeles Lakers (43-39) for the first contest in their best-of-seven playoff series.

So will LA win this inaugural battle on the road? Our experts Noah Camras and Alex Kirschenbaum weigh in below:

1. Who will be LA's high scorer tonight? 

Alex: The smart money is on Lakers All-Star small forward LeBron James, who led his team in scoring in its first round matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies (22.2 points on 48.6% shooting from the field). However, I think bigs like Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura need to capitalize on Golden State's smaller front line. Look for Davis to have a big night.

Noah: I’m going to go with Austin Reaves. I think it’s going to be a collective effort with multiple 20-point scorers, but I see Reaves being the guy who ultimately takes the crown with a string of fourth quarter buckets.

2. Can Malik Beasley do something, anything, in this game after a miserable playoff run so far? 

Noah: I don’t think so. Darvin Ham shrunk his rotations in Game 6, and it worked like a charm. I don’t expect to see a lot of Malik Beasley today.

Alex: He can. Beasley is a capable high-volume three-point shooter, and LA is desperate for some wing floor spacing. But will he, after averaging a meager 4.2 points a night on 29.2% shooting from the floor? I'm dubious.

3. How will Rui Hachimura fare against the Warriors' undersized bench? 

Alex: Look for Hachimura to have a big night. Golden State has struggled to get consistent performances from bench big JaMychal Green, and often opts for mega-small lineups with 6'6" Draymond Green at center. Hachimura should feast from the perimeter.

Noah: Great. I expect him to continue finding his spots and scoring at will. As long as the 3-point shot is falling he could be in for a 20-point night.

4. Will LA cover the game's anticipated spread (Warriors by 4.5 points)? Will LA actually win?

Noah: I think the Lakers are going to take Game 1 outright. They’re coming off extra rest and just beat the Grizzlies by 40 points in a close-out game. They’re going to do what they did in Memphis and steal home-court advantage right off the bat.

Alex: The Warriors are in a groove right now. Look for Golden State to take Game 1 at home in San Francisco, but for the Lakers to split the two bouts at the Chase Center with a Game 2 victory.

Given the stakes, players and fanbases involved, this should be one of the most-watched second round series in recent NBA history. Whatever happens, it figures to be a long one.

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