The Lakers are a strong team even without Anthony Davis, but they’re significantly hampered in the paint. The Brooklyn Nets are sure to capitalize on their weakened opposition.
Picks:
Brooklyn Nets to Win ()
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How to Watch Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Lakers
| Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Lakers Information |
| What |
Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Lakers |
| Where |
STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, California |
| When |
10:00 PM EST, February 18th, 2021 |
| How to Watch |
TNT |
Head-to-Head: Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Lakers
| Brooklyn Nets |
Head-to-Head |
Los Angeles Lakers |
| Steve Nash |
Head Coach |
Frank Vogel |
| 18-12 (2nd in East) |
Standing |
22-7 (2nd in West) |
| W-W-W-W |
Form |
W-L-W-W |
| 118.6 (2nd of 30) |
Off Rtg |
112.3 (14th of 30) |
| 115.0 (26th of 30) |
Def Rtg |
105.2 (1st of 30) |
| 101.2 (7th of 30) |
Pace |
99.1 (17th of 30) |
|
Leaders (Per Game)
|
| K. Durant (29.0) |
PPG |
L. James (25.7) |
| J. Harden (8.4) |
RPG |
A. Davis (8.4) |
| J. Harden (11.8) |
APG |
L. James (7.9) |
| J. Harden, K. Irving (1.1) |
SPG |
A. Davis (1.3) |
| K. Durant, D. Jordan (1.4) |
BPG |
K. Antetokounmpo (2.0) |
| D. Jordan (.788)/K. Irving (10.7) |
FG%/FGM |
M. Harrell (.646)/L. James (9.4) |
| J. Harris (.495)/K. Irving (10.7) |
3P%/3PM |
A. McKinnie (.600)/L. James (2.5) |
Brooklyn’s Reserves Have Stepped Up
In the Brooklyn Nets’ last matchup against the Phoenix Suns, James Harden was left to lead his team with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving out of the lineup. While the two are expected to return for this match, the Nets’ reserves have proven that they are prepared to fill the gap.
In their last game, Tyler Johnson and Joe Harris combined for 39 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds, on a combined 13 of 23 shooting from the field. They also had a bench pair in Landry Shamet and Jeff Green that combined for 31 points and 10 rebounds on 12 of 23 shooting.
The Lakers don’t boast the same depth as Brooklyn. So long as the Nets can maintain their bench production, they should be able to make up for shortcomings in their starting lineup.
Editor’s Picks
Who Will Replace Davis’ Production?
After suffering an Achilles injury, Anthony Davis will miss a number of weeks before being re-evaluated. While LeBron James still leads the team, that’s quite a bit of production that needs to be accounted for.
The first person to consider is Kyle Kuzma. Inserted into the starting lineup in his last game, Kuzma was largely ineffective. He had only seven points and four rebounds on three of six shooting in 26 minutes. While he shouldn’t be hunting for his shot, Kuzma is too talented for such low production.
Against the Nets he’ll be asked to make up the difference both offensively and defensively. A solid defender and scorer, Kuzma’s ability to do the small things like rebound the ball and chase players defensively will define his success.
Nets Key Player: (F) Joe Harris
While the Nets underwent a bit of an overhaul due to trades and injury, but one player that remains a key piece is sharpshooter Joe Harris.
In a season where there have been many moving parts, Harris remains a calming presence for Brooklyn. His shooting is elite, currently converting on 49.5% of his three-point shots and 52.9% of his total field goals.
Harris is the perfect kick-out recipient for any of the Nets star players. It certainly helps that he’s willing to work off the ball, though he might need to be more selfish if things start going against them.
Lakers Key Player: (F) LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers will always lean on LeBron James as their leader. However, with Anthony Davis out he will need to take on more of an offensive burden.
In his last game out, James posted a classic performance. He toasted the Timberwolves for 30 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in a 112 to 104 win.
He’ll surely want to be the playmaker, but against a weak defensive team in the Nets, James should be able to get where he wants.
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