<div align="center"> <font color="Orange">Phoenix Suns</font> (15-3) @ <font color="Purple">Los Angeles Lakers</font> (10-7) Previous Games: Warriors @ Suns 118-104 WIN Warriors @ Lakers 97-88 WIN Projected Starting Lineups SUNS <font size="1">(Mike D'Antoni)</font> <font size="1">(Steve Nash, Joe Johnson, Quentin Richardson, Shawn Marion, Amare Stoudemire)</font> <font size="4">VS</font> LAKERS <font size="1">(Rudy Tomjanovich)</font> <font size="1">(Chucky Atkins, Kobe Bryant, Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Chris Mihm)</font> Factors off the Bench <font size="1">(Leandro Barbosa, Brian Cook)</font> Game MVPs <font size="1">(Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant)</font></div> Brandon's Analysis The Suns are definitely hotter than any location in Arizona at the moment...but for three quarters against the Warriors, the Suns looked more like last year's team. However, in the fourth, the Warriors were embarassed by an onslaught of offensive attacks, and the lead was depleted. If the Lakers want to win this game, they'll have to avoid getting burned in the fourth. Doesn't look good for Los Angeles, who usually blow their leads in the fourth. Who will be the answer to Steve Nash, possibly the best guard in the NBA right now? If Bobbitt is wearing gold tonight, he could provide enough defensive presence to keep him from throwing 20 assists in this game. Kobe is going to have to attack the basket and not worry about Amare. Although Stoudemire looks like a beast under the rim, Kobe should drive and draw as many fouls as possible against him, all while doing what he can to finish the basket and hit from the line. This goes for Amare as well...who shouldn't be intimidated by Mihm at all in this game. Odom's knee is bothering him...and he may see limited minutes, if any at all...so don't expect alot from him. With that said, look to see Marion go off on Cook, who's defense isn't as good as it should be for such a potential player. Brandon's Prediction The Lakers will push hard in this game...running the Suns, but stopping them from fast breaks...and will hold it close until the fourth. Amare will step up with 2 minutes to go, and the Nash/Amare combo won't be stopped...and the Suns will leave STAPLES with a win, 103-97.
I think this game will depend on the Lakesr defense. If they can stop the fast break scoring of the suns they should win
Tough game coming up. the suns are playin great... I would like to see the Lakers take this one. Even if its by 1 point. Got to come out firing..
Stop the Suns from running. Use full court press defense, hopefully that'll discourage the Suns from running all over us. Steve Nash is playing like he thinks he was on the PlayStation or sth ? Somebody has got to stay in front of him to prevent him from making way too easy passes, somebody willing to do that.
The Suns are on a roll, and I don't see them falling to the Lakers in this game. In the first meeting the Suns dominated the inside and took full advantage of offensive rebounds and second chances. The Lakers have not fixed this problem, and I don't see them being able to hang offensively with the Suns. My prediction is the Lakers losing by 3 points in OT. The Suns two key players, Nash and Amare, are far superior to what the Lakers have at Point Guard and Center and they are playing to well to beat themselves.
This is going to be a closely played game by both teams.I Do see the Lakers giving the Suns a hard time,but i have a feeling that Nash will rescue the Suns when things will look bleak and secure Phoenix the win at the very last minute. Suns 100 Lakers 99
I don't see us winning this. I take the Suns by 13, and i'm gonna have to say that Kobe should start shooting better - and of course, I expect him to flirt with the triple double.
Until we can find a way to defend the paint, we will have trouble winning games against teams with superstar big men. If we can cut down on the turnovers and do a decent job of rebounding, we can win.
Am I the only one getting a feeling the Suns are going to blow us out? I think they will win about 101-88. Nash, Amare, Q, and Matrix are just too much for us to stop. Unless we get 30+ from Kobe, 20+ from Odom, 15+ from Caron, 15+ from Mihm, and 10+ from some other players I just dont see us getting even close in this game.
Tony Bobbitt, if he sees enough minutes tonight, will play a big factor against Nash. It may not show in his stats...or it may...but Nash's could be lower. That is...if Rudy T plays him.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Kobe 8 Ball:</div><div class="quote_post">Am I the only one getting a feeling the Suns are going to blow us out? I think they will win about 101-88. Nash, Amare, Q, and Matrix are just too much for us to stop. Unless we get 30+ from Kobe, 20+ from Odom, 15+ from Caron, 15+ from Mihm, and 10+ from some other players I just dont see us getting even close in this game.</div> No man i have a real good feeling were going to blow them out we just have to wait and see.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting realdealbneal:</div><div class="quote_post">WHOA wait...is Vujacic off the IR? WHY? Where's Bobbitt? Rudy T... </div> Whats going on bad coaching unnecessary passing unnecessary turnovers.
Kobe is on fire getting his groove back!! Almost has a triple Double in the first half. Man I love this Game. How many offensive rebounds have we gaven up cmon we need more rebounds. Box OUT!
