It's unfortunate that Brand can't play in this game. I predict this will be an entertaining game with us playing inspired trying to get revenge on the Lakers. GO CLIPPERS!!!!
<div align="center"> <font color="purple">Los Angeles Lakers</font> (10-8) @ <font color="blue">Los Angeles Clippers</font> (11-7) Date: Saturday, December 11th Time: 7:30 PM TV: KCAL Previous Games: Suns @ Lakers 113-110 (LOSS) Bobcats @ Clippers 99-93 2OT (WIN) Projected Starting Lineups <font color="purple">LAKERS</font> <font size="1">(Rudy Tomjanovich)</font> <font size="1">(Chucky Atkins, Kobe Bryant, Caron Butler, Lamar Odom, Chris Mihm)</font> <font size="4">VS</font> <font color="Blue">CLIPPERS</font> <font size="1">(Mike Dunleavy Sr.)</font> <font size="1">(Marko Jaric, Xzibit, Bobby Simmons, Chris Wilcox, Chris Kaman)</font> Factors off the Bench <font size="1">(Brian Cook, Mikki Moore)</font> Game MVPs LAKERS - <font color="purple">Kobe Bryant</font> Predicted Stats: 29 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists CLIPPERS - <font color="blue">Corey Maggette</font> Predicted Stats: 28 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists</div> Brandon's Analysis This game is going to go down to the wire, and the reason why is because the Lakers' defense isn't going to be able to contain both Maggette AND Simmons. Butler will really have to step it up in this game defensively, because Simmons is going to be draining shots early if left open. If Kobe has to help contain Bobby, Maggette is liable to go off and score 20 in the first half. In Elton Brand's absence will more than likely be Chris Wilcox, moving down to play the four while Kaman takes control of the paint. While Wilcox is no punk, he isn't Elton Brand...so Odom should have an easier time with him. If Lamar uses his two advantages over Chris (speed and agility), he can beat him to the hoop and hopefully draw the foul. Also, Mihm has an easier matchup against Kaman, so instead of having a tough, physical battle against Wilcox, he'll be up against a player who's defense isn't the best part of his game. The Lakers' bench should be a huge factor in this game. The Clippers have Mikki Moore as their potential spark late in the first and second quarters...but the Lakers have a few more options than that...with Brian Cook being the best scoring option off the bench. Hopefully, Bobbitt starts to see minutes, so his defensive presence can be considered a valuable asset for the Lakers in the future. However, Vujacic will more than likely suit up to play the point and to also backup Kobe (for limited minutes, obviously...or maybe none at all). Brandon's Prediction The Lakers will struggle on the offensive glass, especially with Wilcox in the game, and Maggette crashing the boards. This should lead to alot of Clipper second chance points, but eventually, the Lakers will pull it together...and Dunleavy will wish Brand was out defending the lane. The Lakers should take this one in a close game, 92-87.
As always, awesome preview. While my head says Lakers, my heart says go clippers . By the way, anyone going to the game?? I was contemplating on going but everyone has finals...
nice game....Kittles and Miki did good! This was a give away to the Lakers though...w/ Elton Brand gone and Kaman playing after apendix surgery...they had to work with almost nothing. Glad it was a close game even without Elton Brand and peeps injured. I kinda wonder what would have happened if Shaun and Elton were also in....I think it would of been a lil different...and Odom wouldn't have been as good. You know I really like that cat Miki...cause he ain't afraid to rep Clippers in front of the Lakers bench and talk ish at them....that'z real. He's strong with heart and isn't afraid to help a team w/ lil success history out to become better. Clip players are admirable...so are the fans in my opinion. peace.
Lakers are always destined to win over the Clippers. That last shot that went in then went out by Maggette to tie it just proves it. Clippers are cursed.
I really hope so. Clippers are one of my fav teams. I think they could make the playoffs this season. The team is definetly headed in the right direction, once Shaun Livingston developes he's gonna really get their offense going.
Why did Brand have to attack the rookie The team did good, Maggette got to the line well, but took a lot of shots and shot 32% or so which isn't too impressive, I'm guessing it was another case of taking quick and early shots.
