Lakers @ Warriors Tuesday, Dec 23 7:00 PM Probable Starters Nick Van Exel/Gary Payton J-Rich/Kobe Bryant Mike Dunleavy/Devean George Cliffy Robinson/Horace Grant Erick Dampier/Shaq Key Match-up<font size="5">[QUOTERIGHT]"In the last two games, our energy and effort level slipped.'' --Eric Musselman[/QUOTERIGHT]</font> This will be a great match-up of veterans. The Glove vs. Mr. Clutch. Key Player off the bench These two back up PGs will be key. They both provide great energy off the bench. Claxon is tenacious on D and will provide the Warriors with a much needed spark. Fisher is a great shooter and will try to torch the Warriors from behind the arc. Warriors Keys to the Game The Warriors must come to play from the start. They cannot afford to get in a hole early, they must establish their game plan on the opening tip-off. With Malone out with his injury, it should allow the W's to double-team Shaq on the block. Dampier must have a repeat performance of his first match-up against Shaq when he dominated the boards grabbing 22 rebounds. J-Rich must contain Kobe and make him take contested shots. Lakers Keys to the Game Shaq must dominate the key. He must pick up the slack lost with Malone's injury and must not play lazy and let Dampier dominate the paint. Put simply: if the Lakers stick to their game and don't take the Warriors lightly, they will win this game. The Warriors are no push-overs, especially at home. They shouldn't treat them as such. <font color="Blue">Rudeezy's</font> Prediction This will be a very close game. I am going to give the Lakers the edge for obvious reasons but don't be suprised if the Warriors come out with the upset. Lakers by 8 Hardwood Classic Night This will be the Warriors 2nd of 5 Hardwood Classic Nights. The Warriors will be sporting their Retro Jerseys. <font size="4"><font color="DarkOrange">Discuss this game here </font></font>
