The Los Angeles Lakers have done well for themselves this season when they’ve been without Anthony Davis. After Tuesday’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Lakers are now 6-1 in games they’ve played this season without Davis.
However, what awaits the Lakers at Staples Center on Wednesday is a much stronger foe than the one they faced in Minneapolis on Monday. The Brooklyn Nets, whom the Lakers face on Thursday, could very well be the Lakers opponent in the NBA Finals later on this summer.
Kyrie Irving telling James Harden to be the point guard was a solid turning point in the Nets’ growth, but so was their second-half comeback against the Phoenix Suns. After falling behind by 24, the Nets were physical, gritty, and attentive on the defensive end to help let their elite offense flourish. If the Nets have the same attitude for 48 minutes, with the added bonus of bringing Irving back, the Lakers may be in for a tough game.
The Lakers have struggled at home this season and while the Nets are without Durant, the Nets could serve them another home loss if they’re not on their A-Game.
Here’s when you should tune in to see the game:
- Date: Feb. 18
- Time: 10 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: TNT
- Spread via BetMGM: Lakers -2.5
Injury Report
Anthony Davis is out for the next 2-3 weeks with a strained Achilles. Kevin Durant is out with a hamstring strain and Kyrie Irving is probable to play with low back pain.
Brooklyn Nets (18-12)
- Joe Harris
- Bruce Brown
- DeAndre Jordan
- James Harden
- Kyrie Irving
Los Angeles Lakers (22-7)
- LeBron James
- Kyle Kuzma
- Marc Gasol
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
- Dennis Schröder
This post originally appeared on LeBron Wire! Follow us on Facebook!