Why Bettors Need to Know Tonight’s Lakers-Warriors Officials

Why Bettors Need to Know Tonight’s Lakers-Warriors Officials article feature image
Credit:

Isaiah J. Downing – USA TODAY Sports

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The NBA is going to be basically irrelevant tomorrow, that's just a fact. The league should just start scheduling its games around the tournament because I have to imagine the ratings would be just horrible.

They probably won't be great tonight either, but that doesn't matter to bettors. There are only four games on the slate, but the California showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors (10:30 p.m. ET) has a very interesting referee draw that bettors need to keep in mind.

It took until 10 a.m. ET for oddsmakers to open the total for this game. Perhaps the three referees in Golden State caused oddsmakers to shiver in their Timberlands. Nevertheless, here are the under records for each official assigned to Lakers-Warriors:

  • Matt Boland (pictured above): 337-284 (54.3%)
  • Brian Forte: 340-290 (54.0%)
  • Marc Davis: 397-346 (53.4%)
  • Total: 1,074-920 (53.9%)

Historically, all three of these refs have favored the under. With nearly 2,000 combined games under their belts since 2005, the under has hit at nearly a 53% clip when at least one of them has officiated.

The break-even mark for standard -110 juice is 52.38%, so all three of these officials have bettered that by a decent margin.

So far this season, these teams have combined for 250 points (overtime), 230 points (another overtime), and 219 points in their three meetings. The totals have been 228.5, 219, and 216, respectively, meaning all three overs have hit.

With the Warriors missing Steph Curry, Draymond Green and potentially Klay Thompson, it was surprising to see this total open at 223 and immediately get bet up to 225.5. This is the first time these two teams have met since the trade deadline, so maybe this high total is due to the "Isaiah Thomas is terrible on defense" factor.

Keep your eye on The Action Network's free NBA odds page to follow line movement and betting percentages, and be sure to keep the refs in mind before placing your wagers.

Top photo: Matt Boland

Photo via Isaiah J. Downing – USA TODAY Sports

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Sean Treppedi
Mar 28, 2024 UTC