Warriors Host The Lakers - Preview and Predictions

With the recent announcement of the "March Madness" tournament games, much of the focus in the United States has momentarily shifted from the NBA in favor of the NCAA Tournament.
Millions of Americans from coast to coast are frantically filling in their brackets and seeking last-minute advice from experts on match-ups which seem nearly impossible to predict.
In Northern California, however, the spotlight remains on the hottest and most dominant team in the NBA: the Golden State Warriors.
The Warriors (52-13) enter this evening's contest following a dominant victory over the New York Knicks, which saw the "Splash Brothers" strike for over 50 points.
Conversely, the Los Angeles Lakers (17-48) enter the night following back-to-back devastating losses, and it is quite unlikely that tonight's game will hold a more favorable result for the men wearing purple and gold.
Currently, the line (i.e. margin of victory) is Golden State by 18, and barring an absolute catastrophe, the Warriors should cover that line with ease.
Nevertheless, the Lakers should not be underestimated.
Though they have struggled mightily this season, NBA games are often unpredictable (after all, even the Knicks overcame the Cavaliers back in late October).
Historically, games between the Lakers and Warriors have been highly entertaining (particularly for fans), and tonight promises to be more of the same.
With that being said, the likelihood that Los Angeles pulls out the victory this evening is slim to none.
Golden State is simply too strong.
Obviously, the Warriors' shooters have the ability to score in an unparalleled fashion (first in the NBA).
Yet more importantly, they possess an impenetrable defensive scheme (especially at Oracle Arena, where the team maintains a 29-2 record this season).
Golden State's defensive stalwarts will undoubtedly clog the paint tonight, leaving Los Angeles with no other option but to fire three-point field goal attempts.
Needless to say, the Lakers are uncomfortable from beyond the arc (currently sitting at 18th overall in the NBA).
Keeping opponents out of their rhythm is something that the Warriors typically thrive on, and if they are able to pressure the Lakers on both sides of the floor, they should walk away with yet another conventional victory this evening.
Prediction: Golden State by 22.

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