The Lakers (34-24) look to snap their losing streak against the Golden State Warriors (31-28) on Saturday. The season series between both these Pacific Division teams is currently tied at 1-1.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
When: 5:30 p.m. PT, Feb. 28
Where: Chase Center
Watch: ABC
Just when you thought that there was no way the Lakers would lose to a Suns team that didn’t have Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, they find a way to get it done. Now in the midst of what feels like their
worst losing stretch of the season, Los Angeles is once again in a slump and there are legitimate concerns about whether they can get out of it.
Instead of stacking wins, the Lakers are dropping games and look far from being contenders in the West.
As I mentioned in my last preview, the Lakers aren’t safe from falling into the play-in tournament, and that can very much happen if they continue on this trajectory.
The Lakers’ next opponent is a Warriors team that will also be without two of its best players.
Despite being 4-6 in their last 10, Golden State, sans their superstars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, is still capable of surprising any team. Given how the Lakers are playing right now, this is far from an easy win for the purple and gold.
Expect Brandin Podziemski and Pat Spencer to take charge of their offense while Draymond Green anchors their defense and employs his usual tactics. The Lakers absolutely need to step up their game for this.
Will the Birthday boy, Luka Dončić, get some help from his teammates? Can Deandre Ayton step out of his funk? LeBron James and Austin Reaves usually play the Warriors very well, so will that be the case again? Can the role players contribute more? And finally, will the Lakers play like a team that’s worth being hopeful about?
Notes and Updates
- For the Lakers’ injury report, Rui Hachimura is listed as doubtful due to illness.
- Adou Thiero (G-League) and Bronny James Jr., (G-League) are with the South Bay Lakers.
- As for the Warriors, Jimmy Butler (ACL surgery), Stephen Curry (patellofemoral pain syndrome) and Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation) are out.
- Draymond Green (lower back injury) is probable while Kristaps Porzingis (illness) is questionable.
You can follow Nicole on Twitter at @nicoleganglani.
