Published on: Dec 25, 2021 7:37 am IST|Updated on: Dec 25, 2021 6:02 pm IST
LAL vs BKN Dream11: COVID-19 has rendered the job of writing articles trickier and with the raging pandemic, the lineups of different teams are a trainwreck. Really, I can’t emphasize how frustrating it is to see so many players go down and games being postponed. The Brooklyn Nets who will play here have seen three games postponed in a row!
Anyway, in not-so-Merry-Christmas for the NBA, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Brooklyn Nets. While the Lakers are missing their star big Forward Anthony Davis, the Brooklyn Nets play most likely without their ace Kevin Durant. Still, the team has gotten back James Harden after a two-week absence and sits at the top of the Eastern Conference with 21 wins and just 9 losses.
Lakers have been playing some shoddy basketball this season, they have lost four in a row, the last three being one-sided games, where the team looked down and out before the third quarter ended. While LeBron has continued to tinker with history, surely, wins are what he is all about!
The Nets have had a contrasting season to the Lakers and one of the reasons has been that they are a much better defensive team than the LA outfit. With Harden back after a two-week absence, the Nets can still give enough trouble to the Lakers team which is in huge need of a spark. Host: Los Angeles Lakers Visitors: Brooklyn Nets Match Timing: 26 December, @ 06:30 AM Venue: Staples Center
Lakers: Frustrating their fans LA Lakers have been by far the most underwhelming team this season because they have enough ammo to notch wins. They have not shown the determination to play quality defense on a nightly basis and with Anthony Davis gone for more than three weeks, I don’t know how they will play better at that end. Yes, the team acquired Isaiah Thomas, but if he isn’t shooting well, he is not going to help the cause with his sub-par defense. The Lakers signed Darren Collision and Stanley Johnson, the former is coming out of retirement while the latter is a fallen young player who can at least provide some youth to this aging lineup.
Nets: Durant has been huge for them Kevin Durant has willed his Nets to multiple wins this season, even scoring as high as 51 points. With him gone, there is no doubt that the team loses the edge on both ends of the floor. Still, there is James Harden, who despite his shooting struggles this season, can provide stellar playmaking and keep multiple defenders busy. The team has found some inspiring play in youngsters Cam Thomas, David Duke Jr., and Kessler Edwards. Meanwhile, with Bembry and Nic Claxton back, the team will have some more experience and grit on the defensive end. LA Lakers | Brooklyn Nets Games: 33| 30 Wins: 16| 21 Defeats: 17| 09
Los Angeles Lakers Team News
Lakers Expected Starting Five
Point Forward: SF: LeBron James Middle: C: Deandre Jordan Guards: SG: Wayne Ellington PG: Talen Horton-Tucker PG: Russell Westbrook
BENCH: Carmelo Anthony, Rajon Rondo, Isaiah Thomas, Mason Jones, Jemerrio Jones, Trevor Ariza, Jay Huff, Sekou Doumbouya.
Nets Expected Starting Five Wing: SF: Cam Thomas Middle: PF: Blake Griffin C: Nic Claxton Guards: SG: Patty Mills PG: James Harden
BENCH: Kessler Edwards, Day’Ron Sharpe, David Duke Jr., Langson Galloway, Shaquille Harrison, Wenyen Gabriel, James Ennis III.
James Harden(BKN) The Superstar Guard has averaged around 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 10 assists this season. He returns after 10+ days of absence. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 46-64
LeBron James (LAL ) Points: 36 Rebounds: 09 Assists: 06 Blocks: 02 Steals: 01 James continues to put up superb scoring numbers and he has been hungry on the offensive end despite the Lakers’ underwhelming season. James has lodged 31 or more in three straight games while getting hold of 6-9 assists and & 7+ rebounds a game regularly. He can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 50-67
David Duke Jr(BKN) Points: 18 Rebounds: 14 Assists: 01 Blocks: 02 Steals: 02 David Duke had a big game last time he stepped on the floor. Don’t know if you can expect 18 points-14 rebounds regularly from him though especially when Harden is back. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 24-36
Russell Westbrook(LAL ) Points: 30 Rebounds: 07 Assists: 04 Steals: 01 Westbrook has not exactly been playing poorly on the offensive and many guards will envy his 20+ points average this season. The guard’s assists and rebounds numbers are down compared to earlier season. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 41-57
Talen Horton-Tucker(LAL ) Points: 13 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 03 Talen hasn’t exactly asserted his will this season but still, with Lakers’ options running out, he is a crucial part of the setup. The guard has scored 10 or more in four of the last five games. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-30
Patty Mills(BKN) Points: 23 Rebounds: 06 Assists: 05 Steals: 01 Mills has been a key player for the Nets this season who brings dynamic scoring. He can score in the 15-20 points range even with Harden back in the mix. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 31-43
PG: J Harden(PP), R Westbrook, P Mills SG: W Ellington SF: L James(SP), T Horton-Tucker PF: B Griffin C: N Claxton (Lineup will be revisited before the game too)
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Even though the Christmas fixture between the Lakers and Nets have been dampened with the absence of Durant and Davis, you can still watch superstars LeBron James and James Harden here! For Indiana television viewers, VH1 and MTV present a chance to catch the game. For the streaming enthusiasts, Voot and Jio TV are rendering the services. For the scorecards, you can visit the official website of the NBA. Merry Christmas!