Records: Lakers 24-4, Bucks 24-4
Offensive ratings: Lakers 111.9 (5th), Bucks 114.4 (2nd)
Defensive ratings: Lakers 103.2 (3rd-Tied), Bucks 102.0 (1st)
Projected Starting Lineups: Lakers: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Danny Green, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, JaVale McGee
Bucks: Donte DiVencenzo, Wesley Matthews, Khris Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez
Injuries: Lakers: Anthony Davis (questionable), Kyle Kuzma (out); Bucks: Eric Bledsoe (out), Dragan Bender (out)
I am eschewing my normal format for my game preview today in order to keep this (relatively) short and sweet. If you want some more expanded talk about the Lakers game vs. the Bucks tonight, you can listen to the 2nd half of the most recent Laker Film Room Podcast where Pete and I previewed this game by talking matchups, some X’s and O’s, and things we’re looking out for. It was a good talk and has some good insight, so please give that a listen.
Beyond that, I just want to say that this game is being built up as a potential Finals matchup…which it certainly is. These teams are tied for the league’s best record, both at 24-4. Both are also in the top 5 on both offense and defense, both have (at least one) transcendent star, and both are deep teams who play and compete hard night in and night out. It should surprise absolutely no one if both make deep post season runs. Both are excellent teams.
That said, even though I view this game as a “measuring stick” game, it is only one game. There will be things to take away from it and that will be true win or lose. If either team wins a close game I would not be surprised. If either team won going away, I would not be surprised. The Bucks are at home and the Lakers are playing their final game of a 5 game road trip…things are more in their favor tonight than the other way around. This is the context of this game. This isn’t to make excuses should the Lakers lose, but it’s to be remembered when going over the results.
The final thing I’ll say: try to enjoy this one as best you can. Like you, I can get wound up during games. I want the Lakers to play well, but beyond that I want them to win. What this team has proven to me through 28 games, though, is that they’re trustworthy. The games matter to them. Winning matters to them. They are not some pseudo contending team that mails it in. They can play poorly, but they mostly show that they’re going to compete and be resilient when it looks like the chips are down. Through nearly 30 games, they have my benefit of the doubt now.
So, win or lose, I have this team’s back. I’d just much rather they win. So, Lakers, go get it tonight.
Where you can watch: 5:00pm start time on Spectrum SportsNet and TNT.
*All stats via stats.nba.com