On the heels of two-game losing streak, the Lakers enter tonight’s matchup with the Bucks, looking to get back to their accustomed winning ways. The game will be a very intriguing matchup, as the Lakers top-ranked offense (112.5 PPG) will take on the Bucks top-ranked defense (89.4 PPG). While most teams have difficulties matching up with the Lakers big front line, the Bucks offer a sizeable frontcourt of their own, with Mbah a Moute (six-foot-eight), Gooden (six-foot-10) and Bogut (seven-foot) entering as the Bucks’ starters.
Both teams are currently dealing with injuries. The Lakers just received word that Theo Ratliff will be out four-to-six weeks following knee surgery to repair a torn meniscus. Steve Blake, who sat out the Lakers loss to Phoenix on Sunday night, with a stomach virus, is listed as day-to-day; as is forward Lamar Odom, who just had a negative MRI on his foot. For the Bucks, forwards Carlos Delfino and Luc Richard Mbah a Moute are listed as day-to-day with minor injuries.
Keys to a Lakers’ Victory:
While the Bucks have a Hollywood-worthy superstar headlining their roster, they are a very solid all-around team ran by a very good coach in Soctt Skiles. As stated before, they are one of the better defensive teams in the league, allowing a league-low 89.4 PPG in addition to holding their opponents to 42.5% shooting (good for second-best in the league). With that being said, they are not a team to be taken lightly, no matter what their record is. They won 47 games last season, and pushed the Hawks to seven games – which was not a fluke. This is the type of game the Lakers could easily drop and find themselves on three-game losing streak. However, given their recent string of losses, it’s difficult them to imagine Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol or any Laker for that matter, allowing another loss. The key for the Lakers tonight (and every night for that matter) will be defense. If they can shut down the Bucks’ offense and keep Jennings from lighting us up, it should be an easy win for the Purple and Gold. For those who don’t remember what happened last time the Lakers traveled to Deer Country, THIS might refresh your memory.