NBA Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets
Date: 25 December 2021
Time: 8 p.m. ET
The Los Angeles Lakers take on the Brooklyn Nets in the main event matchup on Christmas day. Both the Lakers and Nets enter this game losing steaks as LA has been on a four-game losing streak whereas the Nets enter the Crypto.com Arena after losing to Orlando Magic.
Los Angeles Lakers season so far
The Los Angeles Lakers have been on a sudden downfall as they have lost four straight games as they suffered a 28-point defeat to the Spurs. Los Angeles’ offence is slipping—it’s now ranked 10th (109.8 PPG), while the defence comes in at 27th in points allowed (111.2 PPG). The Lakers offence has been stagnant in December as they are scoring just 98 points per 100 possessions. But their biggest problem for the Lakers has been their turnovers as they are second in the league with 15.5 turnovers per game.
Quick trip to the circus ????
(????: @SpectrumSN) pic.twitter.com/BBv0kHuph8
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 24, 2021
The Lakeshow has been led by LeBron James, who has been playing 37 minutes per game, which would be his highest since the 2016-17 season. LeBron James is averaging 26.8 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting 51.4 from the field and 34.6 from the 3-point line. Aside from stars like Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis, Isaiah Thomas has been an incredible pick up for the Lakers. IT is averaging 9.2 points, 2 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 25 minutes.
Brooklyn Nets season so far
The Brooklyn Nets have been an incredible team in the 2021-22 NBA season. The Nets are the number one seed in the east with a record of 21 wins and nine losses. But with key players missing the Brooklyn lost to the 14th seeded Orlando Magic 100-93. Brooklyn’s offence ranks 11th in scoring (109.7 PPG) and 10th in defence (106.3 PPG). But like the Lakers, the Nets offence has hit a slump in December as they are placed 18th in offensive rating.
34 points
11 rebounds
8 assistsJust unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/9pGkqVChuR
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 17, 2021
The Nets are led by an incredible Kevin Durant who has been putting up 29.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists. KD has been leading the league in scoring and is on track to win his fifth scoring title. With Kyrie Irving still missing time, James Harden has picked up his form after a slow start to the season. Harden is averaging 20.8 points while leading the Nets in rebounds and assists with 7.9 rebounds and 9.6 assists.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets Match Prediction
Despite both teams struggling in recent games, the Los Angeles Lakers are favourites to win against the Brooklyn Nets. As both franchises are missing many players due NBA’s health and safety protocol. The Nets would be without Kevin Durant who has been their scoring leader and has lost two out of three games without him. LeBron James and Russell Westbrook are averaging 46.5 points who could dominate the Nets. Hence the Los Angeles Lakers will win this game against the Brooklyn Nets.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers
Trevor Ariza – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Dec 31
Malik Monk – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Dec 25
Anthony Davis – Knee – Expected to be out until at least Jan 20
Avery Bradley – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Dec 25
Kent Bazemore – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Dec 28
Austin Reaves – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Dec 25
Kendrick Nunn -Knee – Expected to be out until at least Jan 2
Brooklyn Nets
Cameron Thomas – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 1
David Duke – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 1
Kessler Edwards -Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 1
Kyrie Irving – Covid-19 – Expected to be out until at least Jan 5
Day’Ron Sharpe – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
Nicolas Claxton -Wrist – Game Time Decision
Bruce Brown – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
James Johnson – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
DeAndre’ Bembry – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
Blake Griffin – Knee – Game Time Decision
LaMarcus Aldridge – Covid-19 – Game Time Decision
Kevin Durant – Ankle – Game Time Decision
Joe Harris – Ankle – Expected to be out until at least Jan 1
How to watch Los Angeles Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets?
The Brooklyn Nets vs LA Lakers game will be nationally broadcast on NBA TV, and will also have local coverage on Spectrum SportsNet and the YES app. The match can be streamed live with an NBA League Pass as well.
Also read: NBA Injury Update: When Will Anthony Davis Return From MCL Sprain?
