NBA Picks & Parlay of the Weekend | March 16

Even though they’re back in the Western Conference standings, when the Lakers and Warriors get together, there’s a lot of attention. These two franchises have combined for five of the last nine NBA titles. Warriors star Steph Curry is scheduled to return from an ankle injury which should give Golden State a big push. Both teams are on the edge of the NBA playoff chase. We’ve got a winning parlay for you!

Warriors +3.5 (-112) at FanDuel

Even though these two teams rank ninth and tenth in the West, this is still the marquee game of the night in the NBA.

Golden State has lost three of their last four, and now leads suddenly-feisty Houston (winners of four in a row) by 3.5 games for last Play-In Tournament spot. The good news is the Warriors should get Steph Curry back tonight from an ankle injury. Warriors pest Draymond Green is questionable with a back injury.

The Lakers are ninth in the West and have won four out of six. They’re 4-6 in their last 10 games against the spread. Anthony Davis is probably with a Achilles injury. LeBron is still doing LeBron things, but the Lakers are still a flawed team.

I like Golden State coming off two days rest and getting Curry back is a huge emotional boost. Last time these two met at full strength, the Warriors won by 18.

Golden State needs a win. Take them and the points.

Under 236.5 (-112) at FanDuel

There’s been some talk around the NBA that the officials have been told to call the game differently to bring scoring down. Basically, refs have been told to stop letting players with the ball jump into defenders and get fouls called on the defense. It’s a good move, but now scoring has leveled off.

Still, when these two teams get together….they like to score. Both games they’ve played this season went over. The Lakers have averaged 117 points in their last five games. Golden State 114.2 in their last five.

However, trend wise, Golden State is only 2-8 over/under in their last 10. The Lakers are 5-4-1 in totals. I love playing the over - it’s more fun and its been a better bet in the NBA this season, but I can’t see it happening tonight in LA.

I’ll grudgingly take the under.  

LA Lakers/Golden State (+600) at FanDuel

For the last piece of our parlay, we’re focusing on the team that leading at halftime and the eventual winner. This is a tough one, because you’re thinking which team will come out hot in the first half.

I do like Golden State to win this game straight up. The Warriors outplayed the Lakers last time they met, and getting Curry back adds at least 25 points to their offense. But will he be sharp right away?

Golden State has led at halftime in 28 of their last 43 road games, but have trailed at the break in their last four games. Meanwhile, LA has led at half in 17 of their last 28 games.

I see it close at halftime, but with the Lakers having the lead as Curry slowly gets back to game speed. But I like the Warriors to win.

Play the Lakers to win first half, and the Warriors to win the game.