Lakers vs. Warriors NBA Cup picks: Golden State could upset Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors tip off NBA Cup group play on Friday, and SportsLine expert Matt Severance sees potential for an upset. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, enter as slight favorites, but the Warriors' depth and home-court advantage at Chase Center could shift the balance. Severance notes that Golden State's three-point shooting and defensive versatility, anchored by Draymond Green, may disrupt L.A.'s rhythm. Key betting trends: the Warriors have covered the spread in five of their last six home games, while the Lakers are just 2-5 against the spread in their last seven road contests. With both teams battling for early tournament positioning, this matchup carries extra weight. Severance's model projects a close game, with the Warriors' bench production as a deciding factor. If Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson get hot from beyond the arc, Golden State could hand the Lakers an early loss. The takeaway: expect a playoff-like intensity as these Western Conference rivals jockey for NBA Cup momentum.