The Los Angeles Lakers host the New York Knicks tonight at the Staples Center and we have all the information you need to enjoy the game!
The Los Angeles Lakers have hit a snag in recent weeks. Since reaching a season-high seven games over .500, they have gone 3-6. Injuries have once again hit the team hard, but they have a good opportunity to get back into the win column tonight against the New York Knicks.
New York comes into the game on an eight-game losing streak. Their goal for the season is clear. They want to have as good a chance as possible at landing a top pick in the 2019 NBA Draft when Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett are expected to vie for the No. 1 overall pick.
The Knicks are in a clear rebuild and giving plenty of minutes to their younger players. However, they play hard on a nightly basis and can surprise some people if they are taken lightly.
Rookie forward Kevin Knox just won the Rookie of the Month Award for December, averaging 17.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. He is aggressive offensively and beginning to figure things out after an early season ankle injury derailed him at the start.
In addition to Knox, the Knicks have also been getting great production from Luke Kornet and Emmanuel Mudiay. Kornet is averaging 18.7 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists as a starter. Mudiay had a great December as well, averaging 18.6 points, 5.5 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game, locking down the starting point guard spot.
The Lakers have to come ready to play, as David Fizdale has his guys ready to go each and every night. Luke Walton could have some tough decisions to make tonight as the Lakers are dealing with a ton of injuries.
LeBron James and Rajon Rondo are both sidelined. James will be out at least another week with his groin strain, while Rondo is recovering from a broken finger. Kyle Kuzma could also join them on the inactive list, as he is dealing with a back contusion and is questionable for tonight’s game.
Los Angeles is going to need players to step up tonight with so many injuries. Who will help pick up the slack against the Knicks? We will have to watch and find out!
Game Info
Date: January 4th, 2019
Start time: 10:30 p.m. ET, 7:30 p.m. PT
Location: Los Angeles, California
Stadium: Staples Center
TV Info: MSG, SPECSN
Radio: ESPN NY 98.7, 710 AM ESPN / 1330 AM ESPN DEPORTES
Live Stream: Fubo TV
Taking a look at the records, this looks like a mismatch. Los Angeles is 13-7 at the Staples Center, while New York is 5-17 away from MSG. However, the betting records are much closer. The Knicks don’t win often, but they’re competitive, going 10-11 against the number on the road. The Lakers are 8-11 against the number at home.
Spread: Lakers -7.5 or 8
Moneyline: Lakers between -300 and -360, Heat between +250 and +285
Total: 224 or 224.5 points
Projected Starting Lineups
Knicks
PG: Emmanuel Mudiay
SG: Tim Hardaway Jr.
SF: Kevin Knox
PF: Noah Vonleh
C: Luke Kornet
Lakers
PG: Lonzo Ball
SG: Josh Hart
SF: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (If Kyle Kuzma can’t play)
PF: Brandon Ingram
C: JaVale McGee
Source: “Los Angeles” – Google News