After a thrilling first round, the 2023 NBA Playoffs take the next step with a jam-packed slate of second round offerings. With only one Game 7 in the first round, the final conference semifinal clash is now set. The No. 6 seed Golden State Warriors will face the No. 7 seed Los Angeles Lakers in a best-of-seven series. Game 1 arrives on Tuesday with a 10 p.m. ET tip-off at Chase Center in San Francisco.

The Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, finished the regular season with 44 wins. Amid injury challenges, Golden State struggled mightily on the road but thrashed the competition on the way to 33 home victories. The Warriors also defeated the upstart Sacramento Kings in the first round, winning Game 7 on the road behind a 50-point explosion from Curry. Golden State is also the reigning NBA champion with an established veteran core that is battle-tested at the highest levels. 

On the other side, the Lakers made quick work of the No. 2 seed Memphis Grizzlies in the first round, keyed by a pair of superstars in LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Los Angeles was much better after the trade deadline following the acquisition of Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, Malik Beasley, and D'Angelo Russell. The Lakers are also operating at a tremendous level with both James and Davis in the mix, though Los Angeles enters this series without home-court advantage. 

Below, we'll dive into the series from every angle, including a pick on the winner and a best bet on the series. As the seven-game matchup begins, the Warriors are -165 favorites ($165 to win $100) at Caesars Sportsbook, with the Lakers listed at +145 ($100 to win $145) to pull the upset. Golden State is +225 to win the Western Conference this season and +550 to win the 2023 NBA title. Los Angeles is listed at +350 to win the West and +750 to win the title.

Lakers vs. Warriors full series odds

• Series winner: Warriors -165 | Lakers +145
• Series spread: Warriors -1.5 (+130) | Lakers +1.5 (-160)
• Alt. Series spread: Lakers -1.5 (+200) | Warriors +1.5 (-260)
• Total number of games: Six (+200) | Seven (+200) | Five (+275) | Four (+600)
• Exact finish: Warriors in 7 (+325) | Warriors in 6 (+425) | Warriors in 5 (+425) | Lakers in 6 (+475) | Lakers in 7 (+650) | Warriors in 4 (+800) | Lakers in 5 (+1000) | Lakers in 4 (+1600)

What should you expect for the Lakers vs. Warriors series? And what is the best way to handicap the action before it begins?... Join SportsLine right now to see full Lakers vs. Warriors playoff strategy from an NBA expert!