Lakers vs. Warriors: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More
The L.A. Lakers will be looking to rebound from a loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night, while the Golden State Warriors just want to rebound. The Warriors are 28th in the league in that category, and that doesn't bode well for them against a team with a front line like that of the Lakers.
They will get one break, as Kobe Bryant is expected to miss this game with his shin injury. The Lakers are preparing the "Black Mamba" for the stretch run, while also allowing the other players to find themselves in his absence.
They found a 112-91 beating last night at the hands of the Spurs—now they must shake it off to take on the shorthanded Warriors.
Coincidentally, the Warriors' last game was a lopsided loss to the Spurs as well. They fell 120-99 at the AT&T Center on Monday, so the teams can compare bruises.
Still, the Lakers are headed to the playoffs as one of the true contenders; the Warriors aren't. Can the Warriors further disrupt the Lakers' flow as they head into the playoffs?
Let's take a closer look:
Where: ORACLE Arena, Oakland, Calif.
When: Wednesday, April 18, 10:30 p.m. ET
Watch: Comcast Sports Chicago, ESPN
Listen: KNBR 680 AM/1050 AM (Warriors), KSPN 710 AM (Lakers)
Betting Line: Lakers -5 per www.capperspicks.com
Live Stream: NBA League Pass and ESPN3
Key Injuries
Golden State: Stephen Curry (ankle) out, Andrew Bogut out, David Lee (groin, hip) out, Andris Biedrins (concussion) questionable, Richard Jefferson (knee) day to day.
L.A. Lakers: Kobe Bryant shin (out)
What's at Stake?
The Lakers only own a half-game lead over the L.A. Clippers in the race for the Pacific Division and the third seed in the Western Conference. So this, and every other game the rest of the way is crucial for the Lakers.
The Warriors are really just playing out the string. They have rested almost every relevant player, except rookie Klay Thompson. The remainder of the season will be for youngsters to get experience and the veterans to rest their aching bones.
What They're Saying
Even though the Lakers are coming off a blowout loss to the Spurs, the team has been playing well.
Without Kobe for the past six games, the Lakers are 4-2.
But make no mistake, the Lakers know they need the Black Mamba going forward. Head Coach Mike Brown was asked if Kobe's presence could have made a difference against the Spurs on Tuesday night.
Via Mark Medina of the L.A. Times:
""He always makes a difference. Whether you win or lose, his presence is always felt," Brown said. "He's a guy that can feel or understand tempo. He may not say anything to our guys, but the way he helps control it is he may run to the block and ask for it and get the guys to settle down. It kind of calms everybody down."
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The Lakers may be respectable without Bryant, but they aren't contenders.
Mark Jackson is in a difficult spot right now—to say the least. His team is beset with injuries, they've lost six in a row and the fanbase wouldn't mind seeing them drop the final six games.
If the Warriors finish 22-44, they could keep their chances at a top pick in the 2012 draft. It is lottery-protected from the Utah Jazz.
Jackson said this to Monte Poole of Mercury News:
""As a fan, or a follower, I totally understand," Jackson said Tuesday.
"But as a head coach, that's not in my DNA. And it's not in a player's DNA. And if I was a fan or a follower of the team or the coach, (playing to win) wouldn't frustrate me. That would make me feel better for when we get to where we want to be."
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While that notion is commendable, I'm not sure Warriors brass share his dedication. That might explain why so many players have been shut down for the season.
L.A. Lakers Player to Watch: Andrew Bynum
The Lakers are only going to go as far as Bynum takes them. No he isn't a better player than Kobe Bryant—or possibly even Pau Gasol—but he is what potentially makes them special.
If Bynum can be as dominant as he was against the Spurs last week, when he had a 16-point, 30-rebound explosion, the Lakers are true contenders.
A strong performance tonight would continue his momentum towards the playoffs.
Warriors Player to Watch: Klay Thompson
Thompson is the future of the team at 2-guard. With so many players shut down for the season, this is his time to shine. He had 29 points, eight rebounds and five assists vs. the Spurs on Monday.
He'll be looking to finish the season strong.
Key Matchup: Andrew Bynum vs. Jeremy Tyler
Bynum can teach Tyler a thing or two about being an ultra-young big man in the NBA. On second thought—the Warriors probably want to keep Tyler as far away from Bynum as possible.
That said—if Tyler can become the type of force in the middle that Bynum is—without the periodic lapse in common sense—they'll be thrilled.
In this matchup, Tyler will be primarily charged with keeping Bynum from having his way in the paint.
If he can make a stand, it'll go along way in keeping this one competitive.
Prediction
The Warriors are too shorthanded and the Lakers have too much to play for. I think the Warriors will keep it close for a half, but ultimately the Lakers have too much inside.
The Lakers will take this one easily.
Lakers 115, Warriors 95
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