The NBA season kicks off on October 21, 2025, with an exciting matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. The game will take place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, starting at 10 p.m. ET. As the season begins, both teams have undergone significant changes to their rosters compared to last year.
Key Matchup Overview: Warriors vs. Lakers
This game features two of the league’s most prominent stars: Stephen Curry for the Warriors and Luka Dončić for the Lakers. With LeBron James sidelined due to a back injury, the Lakers are counting on Dončić to carry the offensive load. Head Coach JJ Redick has welcomed new players such as Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart to bolster the team’s defense and support Dončić.
- Golden State Warriors: Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Al Horford remain the core of the team.
- Los Angeles Lakers: Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Deandre Ayton will start.
Recent Performance and Stats
Last season, the Warriors concluded with a remarkable performance, winning 23 of their last 30 games post-Jimmy Butler’s acquisition. Under head coach Steve Kerr, the primary focus this season will be managing veteran players’ minutes while building team chemistry for a successful playoff run.
In their last encounter on April 3, 2025, the Warriors emerged victorious with a score of 123-116. Earlier that season, they played a thrilling double-overtime game, which the Lakers won 145-144, courtesy of a free throw by James.
Game Details and Broadcast Information
- Date: October 21, 2025
- Time: 10:00 PM ET
- Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Watch: NBC and Peacock
Latest Betting Odds
The opening odds from DraftKings for this matchup are as follows:
- Moneyline: Warriors -148, Lakers +124
- Spread: Warriors -2.5
- Total Points: 225.5
This suggests an expected score of approximately 112.71 for the Warriors and 111.41 for the Lakers.
Expert Predictions and Betting Trends
Experts believe the total points line is underestimated considering both teams’ offensive capabilities and questions about their defensive setups. Analyst Drew Dinsick predicts a total score over 224.5. Moreover, Luka Dončić is considered a strong candidate to lead the league in scoring, particularly with James out for the beginning of the season.
As the NBA returns to NBC and Peacock, fans can look forward to a mix of nostalgia and modern coverage of a game showcasing two star-studded teams. For detailed betting insights and projections, follow expert advice from El-Balad.
