After sweeping their tw0-game road trip, the Lakers (4-2) are back home where they will be greeted by the Miami Heat (3-2) on Sunday. This is the first night of a back-to-back for Los Angeles.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los
Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat
When: 6:30 p.m. PT, Nov 2
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
The Lakers will face a Heat team that may not be loaded with superstar talent but is one that’s never going to lack in competitive spirit, effort and grit. It’s the reason why they’re off to a commendable start to the season and have established themselves as one of the best scoring and defensive teams in the league.
Sunday’s matchup in Los Angeles should be an exciting one as it’ll boil down to who wins their corresponding matchups. Over the last few years, Lakers and Heat games used to be about the battle between Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo and, at times, LeBron James against Jimmy Butler.
But that has clearly been wiped out, with both teams making significant changes since they last met. It’s going to be interesting to see how Erik Spoelstra, arguably the best coach in the league, game plans against Luka Dončić and co.
That said, here are the matchups that will determine the outcome of the game:
Deandre Ayton vs. Bam Adebayo
Listed as probable for Sunday’s match, it seems the Lakers medical staff was indeed being cautious with Ayton last game after he tweaked his back. The fact that he’s probable in this one is good news for L.A., who will need him against Adebayo. The Heat’s big man is averaging 23 points and 9.2 rebounds to start the season and it’ll be up to Ayton to either keep up with him or better yet, outplay him. Ayton held his ground against Rudy Gobert and Domantas Sabonis, but can he do the same with Adebayo? This should be a fun yet challenging test for him.
Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves vs. Heat guards
With Norman Powell — who has been out for the last two games — listed as questionable for this one, the Heat will most likely get their offense from Jaime Jaquez Jr., Simone Fontecchio and Davion Mitchell if Powell doesn’t play. They may not be on Dončić or even Reaves’ level, but they’re very much capable of putting up a fight. It also helps that the Heat are a really good defensive team right now, so offense isn’t going to come easy for the purple and gold. It’ll be up to Lakers’ guards to impose their will and control the pace in this one.
Rui Hachimura vs. Andrew Wiggins
This is arguably the most interesting matchup of the night just because these two were reportedly linked to each other in the trade talks over the summer. It’s uncertain how far those trade talks really went, but there’s a reason why the Lakers continue to hold on to Hachimura. This game is the perfect opportunity for Rui to prove the Lakers right as it would be nice for him to outplay Wiggins in this one. Hachimura is due for a good game while Wiggins has been playing consistently well, averaging 16.4 points and 4.8 rebounds to start the year.
The Lakers have to keep building on their momentum and seize the opportunity to string together three wins in a row. It’s not going to be easy against the Heat but given how L.A. has been playing as of late, they’re very much capable of doing so. Let’s see if the Lakers capitalize on Sunday.
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, Deandre Ayton (back spasms) is probable.
- LeBron James (right sciatica), Maxi Kleber (abdominal muscle strain), Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) and Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain) are out.
- As for the Heat, Tyler Herro (left ankle surgery), Kasparas Jakucionis (right groin strain) and Terry Rozier (not with the team) are out.
- Norman Powell (right groin strain) is questionable.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
