Published on: Jan 2, 2022 12:18 pm IST|Updated on: Jan 2, 2022 12:18 pm IST
LAL vs MIN Dream11: The pandemic has once again stalled the balance of the NBA and it keeps on ravaging the teams as multiple players go missing overnight. But such is the scenario in which we have to undertake the practise of predicting the lineups or writing about different teams. But here we are again, talking about the game between Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lakers have been playing some decent basketball but then a team with LeBron and Westbrook isn’t expected to just be “decent”. They have fared better in the last few games compared to earlier and their recent play on the offense has been intimidating, however the defensive end continues to be the weakness in this long NBA season.
\Timberwolves, on the other hand, have been missing key players like Karl Anthony-Towns and D’Angelo Russell, both of whom provide offensive balance. Now, with Anthony Edwards and Patrick Beverley along with Jarred Vanderbilt, the team does have three starters but yes, the defense has been struggling for the Wolves since mid-November or so. Host: LA Lakers Visitors: Minnesota Timberwolves Match Timing: 3 January, @ 08:00 AM Venue: Staples Center
Lakers: Where do they go from here? Lakers have been unable to string together a winning streak this season and the main reason for that in my opinion has been a lack of defense. The team lacks a prototypical Center or even a prototypical big Forward right now and that can hurt against elite teams. LA Lakers have been struggling at the defensive end way too much and they have allowed even so-so offensive teams to stack up 115+ points on a regular basis. On offense, LeBron has been the hottest hand, scoring 30 or so like he has found the fountain of youth while Westbrook continues to spread his all-around wealth. Malik Monk and Carmelo Anthony have been stable offensive options throughout the season so offense is not much of an issue. With Stanley Johnson, Austin Reaves, Talen Horton-Tucker in the mix, the team needs more out of Talen.
Timberwolves: No rhythm like the Lakers Minnesota has been struggling like the Lakers, unable to string together wins on a regular basis. The issue has been on the defensive end and that was before Edwards, Towns, and Russell collectively missed games. For the Minnesota squad, the inability to close out games and the lack of late defensive pressure have been two main issues I feel. Offensively, they have decent depth, and Malik Beasley, McDaniels, and Jaylen Nowell have all risen up for significant contributions lately. I think the Minnesota team can get it together once they have restored their starters even in this insecure climate. LA Lakers | Minnesota Timberwolves Games: 37| 35 Wins: 18| 21 Defeats: 19| 14
Los Angeles Lakers Team News
Lakers Expected Starting Five
Wings : SF: LeBron James SF: Stanley Johnson Guards: SG: Avery Bradley SG: Malik Monk PG: Russell Westbrook
BENCH: Carmelo Anthony, Talen Horton-Tucker, Trevor Ariza, Deandre Jordan, Wayne Ellington, Kent Bazemore, Dwight Howard, Sekou Doumbouya. Minnesota Timberwolves Teams News:
Timberwolves Expected Starting Five Wing: SF: Anthony Edwards Middle: PF: Jarred Vanderbilt C: Naz Reid Guards: SG: Malik Beasley PG: Patrick Beverley
BENCH: Jaden McDaniels, Jordan McLaughlin, Greg Monroe, Taurean Prince, Josh Okogie, Leandro Bolmaro, Jaylen Novell, Nathan Knight, Jake Layman.
Anthony Edwards(MIN) Points: 26 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 02 Edwards is one of the most promising scorers in the league and he has made sure that the Minnesota outfit gets a continuous production from him. The wing has scored in the 22-26 points range on a regular clip. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 34-47
LeBron James (LAL ) Points: 43 Rebounds: 14 Assists: 04 Blocks: 02 Steals: 02 James has been playing some of his best basketball recently. He has also seen a great uptick in his rebounding and playmaking but it is scoring ability. He has scored 30 or more in many games and his 43 points were a season-high for him personally. He can be selected as a Star/Pro Player in the Dream 11 NBA Fantasy scenario. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 61-74
Malik Beasley(MIN) Points: 22 Rebounds: 03 Assists: 02 Steals: 01 Beasley has picked up his game in absence of aces like Russell and Towns. Now, he is in a bigger role so a 20+ production on the offense is expected out of him on a regular basis. Malik has scored 20 or more in four of the last five games. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 28-37
Russell Westbrook(LAL ) Points: 15 Rebounds: 13 Assists: 12 Steals: 02 Westbrook has been one of the best all-around players in the world and his playmaking has seen a further jump from mid-December. He has turned it over quite a bit but he has made some key buckets too for his team. Westbrook usually figures in the 15-25 points, 8-14 rebounds, and 8-13 assists a game. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 41-57
Malik Monk(LAL ) Points: 18 Rebounds: 04 Assists: 01 Blocks: 01 Malik is one of the best scorers on this Lakers team and he is doing a great job at lining up shots from both long-range and within the perimeter. Malik has scored in the 18-25 points range on a regular basis. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 27-33
Patrick Beverley(MIN) Points: 11 Rebounds: 02 Assists: 06 Steals: 02 Blocks: 02 Beverley is a fighter on the defensive end and has also acted as the primary playmaker at the offensive end. The guard has hovered in the 8-12 points and 6-8 assists a game range throughout the season. Expected Fantasy Points Range: 22-40
PG: R Westbrook(PP) SG: M Monk, M Beasley, A Edwards SF: L James(SP) PF: C Anthony, J McDaniels C: N Reid (Lineup will be revisited again before the game)
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