Pacers - Lakers Preview

MASSACRE’S MATCHUPS - IND PACERS (16-18) @ LA LAKERS (20-11) [GAME 32]

GAME PREVIEW (ANALYSIS):

The previous meeting between the Indiana Pacers & Los Angeles featured major contributions from guys outside of Kobe Bryant for the Los Angeles Lakers. They got much of the same in a Friday night win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

Bryant only took 9 field goal attempts, making 5 for a quiet 15 points in 29 minutes. Rookie Javaris Crittenton led Los Angeles with 19 points in just under 24 minutes en route to a 124, 93 victory — LA’s 5th win in 6 games.

“We had a good second period defensively and offensively and kind of broke the game open,” said head coach Phil Jackson.

The Lakers shot a season high 66 percent from the field, making 47 of their 71 basket attempts.

“I enjoy these games because it helps build momentum,” Kobe Bryant said.

Center Andrew Bynum had 16 points & 17 rebounds to go along with 3 blocks. “He was aggressive early on,” said Jackson.

“I thought he didn’t look as aggressive in the second half looking to score but I liked the way he tried to use the post position he had in the first half.”

Bynum contributed for 17 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocked shots in the previous meeting with Indiana. “I just think it was a case of me playing more minutes than usual, and I think if my minutes go up, my production should go up, said Andrew after November’s 134-114 victory over Indiana.

MASSACRE’S MATCHUP:

For the expectations many had for Indiana, they have gotten off to a surprising start. The fact that they are in the Eastern Conference and still hold a sub .500 record should be enough to assume Los Angeles can win this game with ease.

Indiana has gotten a great deal of production from Mike Dunleavy & Danny Granger this season. Los Angeles will have to make a concerned effort on the defensive end. Indiana comes by as no clouch on the offensive end — putting 103.0 points per contest.

PROBABLE STARTERS:

G: Andre Owens
G: Mike Dunleavy
C: Troy Murphy
F: Jermaine O’Neal
F: Danny Granger

INJURY REPORT:

David Harrison: Sore Back - Probable
Jamaal Tinsley: Sore Left Thigh - Day-to-Day

G: Derek Fisher
G: Kobe Bryant
C: Andrew Bynum
F: Lamar Odom
F: Luke Walton

INJURY REPORT:

Kwame Brown: Moderate Ankle & Knee Sprains - Probable
Chris Mihm: Right Ankle Bursitis - Out
Vladimir Radmanovic: Sprained Right Ankle - Questionable
Sasha Vujacic: Sprained Left Ankle & Back Spasms - Game-Time Decision
Luke Walton: Sprained Right Ankle - Probable

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PREDICTED OUTCOME: Los Angeles dominated Indiana in an early meeting this season at Canseco. They’ve taken 8 straight home contests against the Pacers as well. This game shouldn’t come by as a difficult task for the Lakers, especailly with a healthy Kwame, a returning Lamar Odom and superb bench play.

Time: 6:30pm | TV: FSN HD | Radio: KLAC AM 570, ESPN 1330

Can Los Angeles make it 6 victories in 7 games? How will Kobe Bryant follow up on his quiet Friday night game? Sound off in our CL.com forums!