Lakers vs Pistons: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
The Los Angeles Lakers put their three-game winning streak on the line against the Detroit Pistons in a game that will more than likely be a forgettable event.
L.A. comes in after a significant victory over the Miami Heat, while the Pistons enter as losers in four of their last five.
The Lakers have struggled mightily on the road this year, but Detroit is far from a power in The Palace.
Where: The Palace of Auburn Hills, Detroit, Mich.
When: 7:30 p.m. ET, March 6, 2012
Watch: FSDP
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Betting Line: Lakers -5.5 (via Scores and Odds)
Key Injuries (via StatFox)
Kobe Bryant, G, Lakers: Will Play (Nose/Head)
Charlie Villanueva, F, Pistons: Out Indefinitely (Ankle)
Ben Gordon, G, Pistons: Probable (Ankle)
What They're Saying
Mike Bresnahan of the L.A. Times writes:
"It looks as if Bryant will keep wearing his plastic protective mask, even though it annoys him.
"
The broken nose he sustained at the All-Star game remained sensitive.
"I got hit in the face a couple times [Sunday] and it [still] hurt with the mask on," he said after the game against Miami.
Bryant has said it feels like a sauna under the mask. He has at least one ally in his facial feelings.
We'll see if it affects Kobe's play at all tonight.
Most Important Player to Watch: Kobe Bryant, Lakers
When isn't Kobe the player to watch? He's leading the league in scoring this season and, apart from LeBron James, should be considered the top contender for the MVP award.
Without Kobe, the Lakers would be lost lambs wandering aimlessly towards the slaughter.
The mask will draw even more attention to him, and it will be interesting to see how he handles his first game on the road since the break.
Key Matchup: Pistons shooters vs. Lakers defense
One of the biggest problems for L.A. on the road is its defense. The Lakers are near the bottom of the league in field-goal percentage allowed (41.7) and points per game allowed (91.4).
The Pistons have struggled mightily this year shooting the basketball. They are near the bottom of the league in every major offensive category.
Prediction: Lakers 99, Pistons 88
