Game Info
- Tip Off: 7:30 PM PST
- Television: ESPN, CSNBayHD
Los Angeles Lakers Team Profile
- Offensive Efficiency: 98.2 (24th in NBA)
- Defensive Efficiency: 102.1 (tied for 18th in NBA)
Scope the Opposition: Forum Blue and Gold.
Preview: The Golden State Warriors (8-4) were exposed in their last contest. Heading into their game with the Memphis Grizzlies (7-5), we broke down the challenges the Dubs would face with Stephen Curry sitting on the sidelines and well, they showed up in a big way.
Consider this nugget: Golden State scored 81 points against the Grizzlies in a game that went into overtime. Typically the Dubs would post that total by the end of the third quarter. Curry’s absence was a huge factor because his teammates did not get the looks they are typically afforded with.
Andre Iguodala did a terrific job of orchestrating things as evidenced by his 14 assists, but sadly it limited his own offense. Instead of catching the ball on the wing on the move, the former Denver Nugget had to create things for himself from the top of the floor with the entire defense fixated on his every move.
This was mostly evident on the final possession of regulation when Iguodala attempted a low-percentage fade away jumper against a smaller defender. This is pertinent heading into tonight’s contest because Curry has not yet been cleared to play tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers (5-7) at press time.
The Lakers are coming off a double-digit victory against the Detroit Pistons (4-7) and much like the Warriors, they have their injury concerns as well. Steve Nash is out tonight and also, Kobe Bryant is still rehabbing his Achilles.
The absence of L.A.’s starting backcourt has been an obvious issue for the team. Mike D’Antoni has been looking for the right combination of players and it’s been a bit of a challenge for him.
Unlike last season, the roster plays to D’Antoni’s philosophy, but the results have not been great. The Lakers share the ball and play as a group, however their individual players are simply not talented enough to consistently put the ball in the basket with great frequency.
As a result they have a bottom-third offense, which bodes well for a Warriors team that has struggled without their starting point guard. Despite the Dubs’ shortcomings without Curry, their defense should keep them in the contest and give them a chance to pull out a late victory.
Granted, given the Lakers’ historical edge over the Warriors in recent years, I predicted a victory by the Purple and Gold. However, if Curry is ready to go tonight, Warriors it is.
Questions or comments? Feel free to leave them in the comments section or you can contact me by email at [email protected].