Having not played a game since 1986, the Hornets are back in action today when they meet the Lakers in the STAPLES Center.
As you know, the Hornets have more injuries than a small hospital right now, and pretty much everyone is counting them out tonight. Do they have a chance? Let's break down the Lakers and find out…
- The Lakers are hot shit this season, currently sporting a 12-5 record, good enough for third in the conference (full standings here).
- LA take a three-game winning streak into tonight's game, having defeated the Jazz, Clippers and Pacers by an average of 17.6 points. You may have heard about Kobe going off for 30 points in the third quarter of the Jazz game, before finishing with 52.
- Kobe was injured in that win over the Pacers, leaving with a twisted ankle in the third quarter. He'll likely be a game-time decision tonight, although word on the internet streets is that he'll play.
- If Kobe doesn't risk it, we've got Lamar Odom to contend with. According to the AP preview, Odom has averaged 28 points and 11 rebounds in games without Kobe this season.
- Beyond those two, the Lakers don't have a whole lot individually, but they're playing well as a team. Or so I'm told. Full stats here.
I could go on, but you get the idea. Outlook is bleak. The usual relevant links and stuff below. Game time is 9:30pm.
- LA Times
- Club Lakers
- Forum Blue and Gold
- Lakers Blog
- Show Time
- Home Page of the Flathead Lakers, Polson, Montana
Now, where did I put that whiskey?