The 2025-26 NBA season tips off with a star-filled matchup in Los Angeles as the Golden State Warriors take on the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Tipoff is set for 10:00 PM ET in the nightcap of the league’s Opening Night doubleheader. The Warriors enter as 2.5-point favorites, with the total set at 225.5 points. Even without LeBron James on the floor, this game brings plenty of intrigue as Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic lead two Western Conference contenders into the new season.
Both teams are looking to bounce back after first-round playoff exits last spring. Golden State fell to Minnesota after Curry was injured early in the series, while Los Angeles was upset by the Timberwolves after finishing third in the West. The Warriors come in with an older roster but championship experience, while the Lakers have gone younger and bigger, centered around Doncic’s all-around skill set.
Warriors Preview – A Veteran Team Looking for One More Run
Golden State has kept its championship core together for another season. Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler headline a group that’s built on leadership and experience. Curry, entering his 17th season, continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 26.5 points and 41% from three last year. At 37 years old, he’s made it clear that he’s still chasing another title. “As long as I’m healthy, I still believe we can compete with anyone,” Curry said in camp.
Head coach Steve Kerr has added some veteran reinforcements, including Al Horford, who brings playoff experience and toughness to the frontcourt. Horford, 39, is expected to play limited minutes early in the season to stay fresh. The addition of Horford allows Green to slide back to his natural power forward spot and gives the Warriors more rim protection against big teams like the Lakers.
Jimmy Butler returns for his first full season with Golden State after dealing with ankle issues last year. The 36-year-old missed time in the preseason but will start in Tuesday’s opener. The Warriors hope Butler’s mid-range game and toughness can stabilize the offense when Curry sits. Kerr said limiting turnovers is a major priority after the Warriors committed 20 or more in every preseason game. Their offense still flows through ball movement and spacing, but Kerr wants better decision-making when facing defensive pressure.
Beyond the veterans, the Warriors will count on their young players to provide energy. Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski have both shown flashes as rotation pieces. Kuminga’s athleticism adds an element that Golden State has lacked in recent seasons, while Podziemski’s shooting gives the bench another scoring option. Both missed preseason time with minor injuries but are expected to play. The team’s depth will be key throughout the year as they balance rest for older players.
Lakers Preview – Luka Doncic Leads the New Era
The Lakers begin the season without LeBron James, who is recovering from sciatica and expected to miss the first month. In his absence, the offense belongs to Luka Doncic, who joined the Lakers via trade from Dallas in February. Doncic averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 8.2 rebounds last season, and enters his first full year in Los Angeles as a clear MVP candidate. His partnership with Austin Reaves gives the Lakers a backcourt that can both score and create.
Head coach Darvin Ham has a retooled lineup featuring Deandre Ayton, Marcus Smart, and Jake LaRavia, all newcomers expected to start. Ayton provides rebounding and inside scoring, while Smart adds defensive toughness and leadership. Reaves moves into a larger scoring role, and Gabe Vincent will fill the shooting guard spot while James is out. Kleber, who arrived last season from Dallas, adds size and outside shooting off the bench.
Doncic spoke highly of his new teammates heading into the opener. “We have what we need to compete for the championship,” Doncic said. “Ayton’s a beast down low, Smart brings leadership, and we’re all focused on one goal.” The Lakers ranked 20th in defensive efficiency last year but expect to improve with Smart and Ayton anchoring the defense. Los Angeles plans to use size and physicality to slow down Golden State’s smaller lineup.
Injuries remain a concern. LeBron is out, and the Lakers will monitor Ayton’s minutes after a preseason hamstring issue. However, their bench is deeper this year with Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Kleber providing frontcourt help. If the Lakers can limit turnovers and control the boards, they could turn this into a grind-it-out game and keep Curry off balance.
Matchup Breakdown
The Warriors and Lakers split four regular-season games last year, with the home team winning each time. Los Angeles has had the edge at Crypto.com Arena, winning their last three meetings there. The over has cashed in nine of the last ten matchups between these teams, with fast-paced play and elite shot-making on both sides. Curry and Doncic are two of the best creators in the league, so expect plenty of offense early.
The key matchup will be Doncic against Draymond Green’s switching defense. Green will likely guard Doncic in stretches, forcing him to shoot over length instead of driving freely to the rim. On the other end, Butler and Curry will test the Lakers’ new perimeter defenders. Smart will likely take the primary assignment on Curry, while Reaves may chase Butler around screens. The game could come down to which team executes better in the half-court and limits turnovers.
Golden State’s three-point shooting remains one of the most dangerous weapons in the league. If Curry, Butler, and Podziemski get going early, it could stretch Los Angeles’ defense thin. For the Lakers, rebounding and second-chance points will be critical. Ayton and Vanderbilt will need to control the paint, while Doncic must balance scoring with distributing. If the Lakers can keep the pace moderate and force the Warriors into tough shots, they can stay in this game deep into the fourth quarter.
Betting Prediction
Golden State is listed as a 2.5-point favorite with the total at 225.5. The Warriors are 6-2 ATS in their last eight meetings with the Lakers when Curry plays, while the over has hit in nine of their last ten. Opening Night emotions can lead to sloppy play, but both teams have enough offense to push this total up. Expect a fast start and strong shooting on both sides before the game settles into a half-court battle late.
Doncic should deliver a big stat line, possibly nearing a triple-double, but without LeBron and limited chemistry among the new additions, Los Angeles could struggle to close. Golden State’s veteran lineup and Curry’s leadership make them the safer pick to win on the road. The Warriors should find enough open looks to pull away in the final minutes and cover the small spread. The total also leans toward the over with both teams featuring top-tier offensive talent.
Pick: Warriors -2.5, Over 225.5
