Game Info: The Lakers Home Season Opener will start at 7:30 PM andis available nationally on TNT as part of a double header (Boston at Cleveland at 4:30 is the first game). This year’s Season Opener is extra special as the Lakers will receive their rings from last year before the game.
Injury Updates: Andrew Bynum has been battling a sore shoulder, hamstring and achilles issues and Pau Gasol has been inactive for the last few (preseason) games because of his hamstring. Luke Walton has also missed games due to injury. Bynum is probable and very likely to play, however Gasol is doubtful and is most likely going to miss the first game. Also, Kobe sat out practice yesterday, but is not expected to miss tonight’s game. For the Clippers Blake Griffin, the #1 overall pick, will miss the game after breaking his left kneecap on a dunk in the final preseason game. Blake Griffin will be out for about 6 weeks as his stress fracture heals.
Vegas Odds:The Lakers are an average 10 point favorites, with an average over/under of 207.5.
What to look for: With Griffin missing this game (and Gasol likely to miss the game), the vaunted Power Forward match-up will probably have to wait until the next meeting. In its place we have the battle between two Centers coming off injury plagued seasons. The battle between Bynum and Kaman will not disappoint. Baron Davis will also probably have his way with the Laker PGs, but Kobe Bryant will be too much for Eric Gordon and Al Thornton to handle. Although the highlights from Griffin will have to wait (or you can just revisit this preseason highlight from last week here), you can be sure that ShanWow will have a highlight dunk or two against these Clippers. Of course, the main thing to look for tonight is the new bench mob tradition.
Prediction: Lakers get their rings, begin solidly and start extending the lead midway threw the first quarter while breezing in the 2nd half to an easy victory. 110 – 92
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