The Detroit Pistons will get their first look at the LeBron James led Los Angeles Lakers as they begin a 4 game West Coast road trip at the Staples Centre.
There aren’t really any must win games in January in the NBA season, however it definitely feels that way for the Detroit Pistons, as they’ve lost 4 of their last 5 games, and have only got 4 wins since the start of December! Thankfully for the Detroit Pistons, the Los Angeles Lakers will be without NBA superstar LeBron James, and this gives them a pretty good shot at taking the win.
Both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Pistons rank in the top half of the league in defensive rating, and both teams feature in the bottom half of the league in offensive rating. So we can expect a scrappy defensive game where shots struggle to fall (Detroit fans, you’ll be used to this by now).
It’s fair to say the Los Angeles Lakers are struggling without LeBron, this can be evidenced by the fact that they have 7 five man line-ups that have played more than 35 minutes together this season, and the only one that has a negative net rating is their current starting lineup, at -11.3! Meanwhile the starting line-up that the Detroit Pistons are currently rolling with, is sporting a net rating of +14!
The Pistons will have to make sure they don’t commit too many bodies forward and get back and set their defense early, as the Los Angeles Lakers are 3rd in the NBA in pace!
Injuries:
Detroit Pistons: Ish Smith is doubtful (Groin), Zaza Pachulia (Leg), Henry Ellenson (Ankle)
Los Angeles Lakers: James (Groin Strain), Rajon Rondo (Hand Surgery),
Likely Starters:
Detroit Pistons:
Reggie Jackson, Bruce Brown, Reggie Bullock, Blake Griffin, Andre Drummond
Los Angeles Lakers:
Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, JaVale McGee
With LeBron missing, the Detroit Pistons should have enough firepower and should get the win at the Staples Center. What do you guys think? Let us know in the comments below or find us on twitter!