Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Predictions for Friday, October 30, 2026

It's been nine days since Los Angeles beat Golden State 127-105, and the Warriors have finally started winning. Golden State beat Minnesota 119-114 on Wednesday for its second straight victory, moving to 2-3 and second in the Pacific Division. The Lakers are 4-1 and lead the division after Wednesday's 103-87 win against the Clippers. Friday's game at Chase Center is part of NBA Cup group play, with the result also counting toward regular-season records. The teams tip off at 10:00 pm ET on Prime Video. You can find more Friday predictions in our free NBA picks.

Los Angeles Lakers Have Found Different Ways to Win

For most of their opening week, the Lakers were winning games with plenty of points on the board. They scored 127 against Golden State, followed that with 125 against the Clippers and put up 132 in Utah. Portland then came to Los Angeles on Tuesday and won 136-129. The Lakers had another game the following night, but this one was much less frantic. They beat the Clippers 103-87, their lowest scoring total of the season, while allowing 49 fewer points than they had against Portland.

Luka Doncic has put up some big numbers, averaging 36 points, 8.3 assists and 6.8 rebounds. He's hitting 39.6% from three but also committing 5.8 turnovers per game. Doncic is questionable for Friday, making Austin Reaves especially important. Reaves has averaged 26.5 points while converting 63.3% of his shots, including 57.1% from beyond the arc. Walker Kessler is contributing 15.8 points and eight rebounds, along with 2.8 blocks. The Lakers have shot 55% from the field through their opening games.

Injuries: Luka Doncic, Ziaire Williams, Cameron Carr and Adou Thiero are questionable.

Golden State Warriors Back Home After Two Road Wins

Golden State couldn't get a win during its opening three games, but the past few days have been much better. The Warriors scored 134 points in Denver on Monday, beating the Nuggets by 20. Wednesday's trip to Minnesota brought another victory, this time 119-114. Before those results, Golden State had lost 131-122 at Phoenix, 111-108 against Memphis and 127-105 to the Lakers. The Warriors have scored 253 points across their two victories, compared with 335 in their three defeats. They'll be playing at Chase Center for just the second time Friday.

Stephen Curry is averaging 23.7 points in three games, making 52.6% of his field goals and 40% of his outside attempts. Yaxel Lendeborg has given Golden State plenty of help, scoring 21.8 points and grabbing 9.3 rebounds per outing. Nearly half of Lendeborg's rebounds have come on the offensive glass. Draymond Green has averaged seven assists, although he's also turning the ball over 4.7 times per game. Golden State is allowing 119.4 points per contest, something the Warriors will have to improve against a Lakers team averaging 128.3.

Injuries: Kristaps Porzingis, Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler III are out. Gui Santos is questionable.

Key To The Game

Doncic's availability could change everything for Los Angeles. He's been responsible for much of the Lakers' scoring and passing, and Golden State would benefit considerably if he cannot play. The Warriors have their own defensive concerns, allowing nearly 120 points per game. Reaves could take advantage of that, particularly with his excellent shooting. Golden State has the rebounding advantage, averaging 41.5 boards compared with Los Angeles' 35.5. Lendeborg's work inside could give the Warriors additional opportunities against Kessler.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Game Pick

• Los Angeles Lakers

Golden State has improved over its last two games, but Los Angeles already showed it can handle the Warriors in their first meeting. The Lakers won by 22 points and have been shooting considerably better overall. Doncic being questionable makes the decision more difficult, although Reaves has provided plenty of offense alongside him. Golden State should be more competitive at home, especially with Curry and Lendeborg producing. Still, Los Angeles has won four of five games, and I expect the Lakers to take another victory.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors Over/Under Pick

• Over

The first meeting finished with 232 combined points, and both teams have produced some big scores since then. Los Angeles is averaging 128.3 points per game, while Golden State has reached 119 or more in each of its last three outings. The Warriors have also allowed at least 114 points in four of five games. Doncic's uncertain status is worth considering, but Reaves has been scoring regularly. Curry and Lendeborg give Golden State enough attacking options to contribute. I expect another high-scoring meeting, so over is the pick.