Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers 10/22/19: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Daily Fantasy
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Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers Preview
The NBA is finally back and boy, have the basketball gods given us a game to kick it all off. It’s the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers in the Battle of Los Angeles.
The Clippers have had recent success, but this is probably the first season in recent memory that we have a real hallway rivalry in the Staples Center, the building both teams call home.
The Lakers have retooled after not making the playoffs last season by adding Anthony Davis via trade and the Clippers got reigning Finals MVP and champion Kawhi Leonard, who spurned the Lakers and pair him with Paul George for the team many are calling early championship favorites.
TV Schedule
Date: 10/22/19
Time: 9:30 PM ET
Arena: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Channel: TNT
Injuries
Lakers: Kyle Kuzma (O), Rajon Rondo (Q), Alex Caruso (P),
Clippers: Paul George (O), Rodney McGruder (O), Amir Coffey (O),
Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup
PG: LeBron James
SG: Avery Bradley
SF: Danny Green
PF: Anthony Davis
C: JaVale McGee
Los Angeles Lakers Analysis
The Lakers enter the 2019 season with a ton to prove after not making it to the postseason in LeBron James’ debut season in purple and gold.
James is also coming off a season where he missed 27 games, but with a retooled roster courtesy of the trade to land Anthony Davis, James seems eager to get started.
“Opening night is great. For me, it’s like the first day of school,” James said. “I mean, I love to play the game and I obviously had the longest layoff of my career, so to be where I’m at physically (and) mentally no matter who we open up against.”
Aside from the addition of Davis, the Lakers also added several free agents after Kawhi Leonard chose the Clippers over the Lakers or a return to the Raptors. The Lakers signed Leonard’s teammate with both the Spurs and Raptors in three-and-d specialist Danny Green. Another boost to their defense will be the addition of Avery Bradley.
Quinn Cook also joins the Lakers from Golden State and Dwight Howard begins his second stint with Los Angeles.
One key player that will be out is Kyle Kuzma, who averaged nearly 19 points and 5.5 rebounds in his sophomore campaign.
Lakers Quick Links: Lakers Starting Lineup, Lakers Roster, Lakers Depth Chart, Lakers Injuries, Lakers News, Lakers Schedule
Clippers Starting Lineup
PG: Patrick Beverley
SG: Landry Shamet
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: JaMychal Green
C: Ivica Zubac
LA Clippers Analysis
The Los Angeles Clippers will have to wait for the regular-season debut of the Klaw and PG13 as Paul George is out tonight, but Leonard is all set as he is back home in LA, exactly where he’s wanted to be since he requested a trade from San Antonio.
Leonard now joins the Clippers as a two-time champion, Finals MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, which automatically made the Clippers a contender even before the move to acquire George from OKC.
The Clippers were a talented team last season, but these two additions along with the holdovers they have and acquisitions that include Mo Hatkless, Rodney McGruder and Patrick Paterson look to give them enough to get over the hump.
“We still have to find a rhythm with each other playing together, but I think we’re going to do well,” Leonard said. “That’s my mindset on it. Come out and win ballgames.”
It’ll be interesting to see how Doc Rivera and the Clippers defend Anthony Davis with a lineup that features 6-8 Montrezl Harrell at center.
Clippers Quick Links: Clippers Starting Lineup, Clippers Roster, Clippers Depth Chart, Clippers Injuries, Clippers News, Clippers Schedule
Key Player Matchups
LeBron James vs. Kawhi Leonard
James and Leonard is the matchup that sells this game the most. James plays as more of a point guard on this Lakers team, but Leonard will try likely draw the assignment. James has already been making highlight plays and passes in the preseason. Leonard knows LeBron well and vice versa, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Lakers also give their defensive and, Danny Green a shot at defending Kawhi in stretches because there’s no one that knows him better than Green.
Anthony Davis vs. Montrezl Harrell/Ivica Zubac
Rivers likes to bring Harrell off the bench along with Lou Williams so Zubac will likely draw Davis to start, but Harrell will likely get plenty of time defending him. Davis will likely be a challenge for either player. Harrell has the athleticism to stay with Davis, but the height differential could be an issue especially if Davos seals Harrell off.
Danny Green vs. Landry Shamet
While most fans would love to see a George vs. Kuzma matchup, both are out. Green will likely see his share of open shots starting alongside James and Davis, and he’ll chase Shamet around on the defensive end to try to keep him from driving or knocking down threes.
Daily Fantasy
Kawhi Leonard is looking like a steal at $9.6k on Draft Kings. While the Lakers will try to limit him, that’s easier said than done. He’s also a multi-cat stud with his defensive prowess.
If you’re looking for a value play, the Clippers have a few options but Lou Williams would be my play at $6.5k. Williams is capable of going off offensively and he’ll get plenty of minutes in the rotation off the bench, especially with George out.
While LeBron is LeBron, he’s got a tough matchup and Anthony Davis, available for $10.2 k on DraftKings, has some matchup advantages and he’ll give you big numbers in at least four categories.
The value play for the Lakers is likely Green, who at $5.2 k, will provide a boost to your three-point numbers and can rack up a few steals and occasional blocks.
Bet on Matchup
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