realdealbneal wrote:
Milwaukee Bucks (
3-5)
@ Los Angeles Lakers (
6-5)
Tuesday, November 23rd
Location: Los Angeles
Time: 7:30 PM
TV: FSN, NBALP
Previous Games:Bucks @ Kings 88-79 L
Bulls @ Lakers 102-93 W
Projected Starting LineupsBUCKS
(Terry Porter)



(Maurice Williams, Michael Redd, Keith Van Horn, Joe Smith, Dan Gadzuric)VSLAKERS
(Rudy Tomjanovich)



(Chucky Atkins, Kobe Bryant, Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Chris Mihm)Factors off the Bench
(Desmond Mason, Tierre Brown)Game MVPs
(Keith Van Horn, Kobe Bryant)Brandon's AnalysisThe Bucks aren't looking like the 2003 team, with their only three wins coming against Charlotte, New Orleans and Cleveland...but they are still a threat to beat a weaker defensive team. On the other hand, the Lakers, after struggling early to the Chicago Bulls, look to play a more aggressive game against the Bucks Tuesday night.
Milwaukee needs to shoot for early leads with open shots and penetrations by Williams, who is having a stellar season so far for the Bucks. Michael Redd has been "on fire" this season, shooting 51% from the field and an astounding 47% from the arc, both career highs. The ball needs to be in his hands against the Lakers, who will more than likely leave him open while chasing down Williams and a quiet Van Horn, who can get easy jumpers with his off-the-ball play.
The Lakers have to play this game with less turnovers, which has been one of the biggest factors in their inability to keep 10-20 point leads late into the game. Also, pulling down offensive rebounds may become a high priority if Kobe is forced to shoot out of a slump again, and could easily change both the pace and the momentum in a close game, in favor of the Bucks.
Brandon's PredictionThe Bucks will come out firing, and are expected to take a quick lead going into the second quarter. Kobe's game will elevate after the half, and the Lakers will take the lead into the 4th. Late in the 4th, expect another shooting spree by the Bucks, mainly from Redd and Van Horn...in which the Lakers will survive with Kobe and Atkins answering every shot, and eventually win the game, 101-97.