Warriors' threes meet Lakers' free throws in Los Angeles

The Warriors (37-45), who led the NBA in three-point share last season, face the Lakers (53-29), owners of the league's top free-throw rate, in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 21, at 10:00 PM ET.

The Lakers' offense runs on efficient shots and trips to the line. They had the league's second-best effective field goal percentage, 57.3, and its highest free-throw rate, 0.32, so Golden State has to defend without fouling.

The Warriors' opponents ranked eighth in free-throw rate at 0.247, but they shot 55.3% effective from the field, 20th, and the Lakers score well in that gap.

At the other end, Golden State put up threes on 49.7% of its shots, the highest rate in the league. The Lakers allowed a 55.5 effective field goal percentage, 22nd, so those looks should come. The Warriors also turned the ball over often, 27th at 13.3%, and every giveaway shortens a game that depends on volume from deep.

Luka Doncic averaged 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds and 8.3 assists in 64 games and is not on the injury report. Stephen Curry scored 26.6 points a game and made 92.3% of his free throws. He is day-to-day, with Wednesday listed as his expected return.

Golden State is without Jimmy Butler, out until Saturday, January 2, and Kristaps Porzingis, out until Tuesday, December 1. Four Warriors are out in all. For Los Angeles, Collin Sexton is day-to-day, and Adou Thiero and Cameron Carr are out.

Both teams ended last season on losses. The Lakers dropped four straight playoff games to Oklahoma City, the last a 115-110 defeat at home. The Warriors lost a play-in game at Phoenix, 111-96.

Sportsbooks' prices give the Lakers a 67% chance to win, and Keel's projection, built from the players available, puts them at 70%. Records and ranks are from last season, with this season's rosters.