Los Angeles Lakers (
9-6)
@ Chicago Bulls (
1-10)
Date: Wednesday, December 1st
Time: 5:30 PM
TV: KCAL, NBALP
Previous Games
Lakers @ Bucks 95-90 (WIN)
Bulls @ Cavs 96-74 (LOSS)
Projected Starting Lineups
LAKERS
(Rudy Tomjanovich)
C -
Chris Mihm (11.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 0.5 APG)
PF -
Lamar Odom (14.2 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.6 APG)
SF -
Caron Butler (13.6 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.6 APG)
SG -
Kobe Bryant (28.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 6.1 APG)
PG -
Chucky Atkins (10.6 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 3.6 APG)
VS
BULLS
(Scott Skiles)
C -
Antonio Davis (5.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.9 APG)
PF -
Luol Deng (14.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 1.7 APG)
SF -
Andres Nocioni (10.0 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.8 APG)
SG -
Kirk Hinrich (13.9 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 7.5 APG)
PG -
Chris Duhon (3.7 PPG, 1.3 RPG, 3.7 APG)
Game MVPs
LAKERS -
Kobe Bryant
Predicted Stats: 34 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists
BULLS -
Luol Deng
Predicted Stats: 24 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists
Brandon's Analysis
Last night against the Bucks, the Lakers held Milwaukee to under 100 points. When holding teams under 100, the Lakers are undefeated. However, when the opposing team reaches past 100, the Lakers are winless. Interesting statistic?
Let's apply this to the Chicago Bulls, who have reached the 100-mark three times this season (one of those games going into 2 overtimes). With their leading scorer dropping just 15 points per game (Deng), you'd have to wonder how they even manage to get close to scoring above 70...but let's not underestimate them just yet. Hinrich is able to score 30+ in a game, and could be a factor tonight, depending on where the Bulls stick him into their rotation.
Tonight, expect to see Antonio Davis and Chris Duhon in the starting lineup once again (for reasons far beyond my reach). However, if they don't start, Hinrich will run the point, and Gordon could see more minutes against Kobe Bryant. If Chandler starts against Odom, look for Odom to have a nice game, mainly on the offensive end. His speed and slashing techniques will prove to be too much for Chandler, who's confidence level may be at an all-time low, just as his minutes in the last few games.
The biggest matchup could be Mihm and Eddy Curry. If Mihm can control the boards early, and hold Curry to under 15 points in this game, Laker fans should be satisfied. Also, this may be the time for Rudy T to use Vlade Divac, for the sole purpose of getting Curry in foul trouble and putting him on the bench early.
An important player for the Bulls, starting or off the bench, will be Luol Deng. The man has been nothing less than a ROY candidate since he's been in the league, and expect nothing less from him tonight. Depending on his position on the floor, Butler and/or Odom will have to body him in order to gain position on the boards, and use their quickness to beat him to the basket. Defensively, look to see a little help when Deng has the ball in his hands, possibly from Bryant...who may have room to roam around in this game.
Two key goals for the Lakers in this game: cause turnovers and force shots. The guards need to work hard to keep Hinrich/Gordon/Duhon out of the paint, whether they are penetrating or looking for the basket. Forcing them to take shots beyond 15 feet will definitely drop their field goal percentage down to the 30's, and send this young team into a panic attack late in the game.
Brandon's Prediction
The Lakers seem to struggle against bad teams, but it usually happens early in the game. The Bulls are having a terrible season so far, and it doesn't look as if it's going to be any better. The Lakers should easily win this game on the road, 95-85.
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