The 2025–26 NBA season tips off in blockbuster fashion on Tuesday night, as the Los Angeles Lakers host the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena. Even with both squads entering the year banged up, this in-state rivalry remains one of basketball’s most electric matchups—featuring superstars Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves leading a LeBron-less Lakers lineup against Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. For fans eager to see Curry and James go head-to-head again, that showdown will have to wait, as James is sidelined with a sciatic injury expected to keep him out for at least three to four weeks.

Golden State enters the opener favored at -2.5, according to the latest odds, as Dimers’ predictive model gives the Warriors a 59% chance to start their season with a win . Despite

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