On The Real - Nets vs. Lakers

New Jersey Nets (16 - 26) @ Los Angeles Lakers (22 - 18)

Date: Friday, January 28th
Time: 7:30 PM
TV: FSN, NBALP

Previous Games
Nets @ Warriors 113-99 (WIN)
Lakers @ Clippers 105-89 (LOSS)

— Projected Starting Lineups —


C - Nenad Krstic (7.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 1.1 APG)
PF - Jason Collins (6.8 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.0 APG)
SF - Rodney Buford (8.6 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.2 APG)
SG - Vince Carter (19.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.8 APG)
PG - Jason Kidd (12.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 6.9 APG)
Coach - Lawrence Frank

C - Chris Mihm (10.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 0.6 APG)
PF - Lamar Odom (14.9 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 3.1 APG)
SF - Jumaine Jones (6.6 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 0.7 APG)
SG - Caron Butler (14.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.6 APG)
PG - Chucky Atkins (12.7 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 4.3 APG)
Coach - Rudy Tomjanovich

— Who Dat? —

Travis Best
Predicted Stats: 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists

Sasha Vujacic
Predicted Stats: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists

— Who Got Game? —

Jason Kidd
Predicted Stats: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 11 assists

Lamar Odom
Predicted Stats: 24 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists

— Brandon’s Analysis —
The Nets may be without Collins in this game, which could benefit our frontcourt greatly, considering Mihm is suffering from a calf injury. This could be Odom’s big night…unfortunately, it’s nothing to brag about, since the Lakers STILL cannot win three straight games all season long. However, Los Angeles has kept from losing three straight as well, so winning this game will keep them from the losing streak tonight.

The duo of Kidd and Carter will really put pressure on the Lakers’ backcourt, especially on the fast break. Butler and Jones may find it difficult to hold Carter thoughout the game, because we know Sasha won’t see any playing time as long as VC is holding onto the ball. Odom and Co. need to protect the paint at all times, and be careful not to allow Kidd to rack up too many easy assists for Carter, slashing his way to the hoop. The Lakers’ defense has been weak against penetrations…so Kidd and Carter will definitely be huge factors for the Nets, if they want to pull off a win tonight at STAPLES.

The Lakers are leading the league in rebounds. Surprising? Not really…and with New Jersey’s depleted frontcourt, the Lakers should win this battle on the glass pretty easily. Krstic will fight Mihm on the boards, just like he did against Yao in the Olympics…but as long as Chris uses his upper body strength and puts a few bruises on Nenad to gain position, he’ll pull down boards all night.

LA needs to take advantage of the mismatch at the two forwards slots. Odom can pull Collins away from the rim and use his speed to attack the basket and draw the foul, and Butler could notch 20+ tonight against Buford…well…that is, if the Nets stick Carter on Jumaine Jones, who should try and get Carter in foul trouble, rather than spot up for threes.

This brings me to my biggest factor in the game: the three point shot. How big? Well, the Lakers seem to drool over a nice, clear look at the basket…rather than the open three…correct? Nah…they’d take the three…and that’s where this could be a mistake in the game. We know Kidd’s defense isn’t the same since knee surgery, so Atkins and Tierre (sorry Bobbitt…we probably won’t be seeing you ever) should take advantage of Kidd’s weak side and penetrate the Nets’ defense a little. I expect to see Chucky jacking up threes instead, but it would be nice if he did the most logical thing…to drive, penetrate and create (sounds like what a PG should do).

— Brandon’s Prediction —
The Nets are still struggling…and they are without RJ as well. Lawrence Frank remembers his win streak from last season, but I don’t think he’ll ever see one like that again in his coaching career as long as he’s with the Nets. Carter and Kidd will get theirs, but hopefully…Vince is held to under 25 points, and the Lakers win this one at home, 95-84.

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