The San Antonio Spurs (45-16) will face the Los Angeles Lakers (40-23) for the final time during the regular season in San Antonio as both teams will look to take the series lead.
The Spurs and Lakers have both split their first two meetings this season with both teams winning on the road. Add the fact both teams have won convincingly makes tonight’s game key as to which team will send a message as the playoffs fast approach. Another reason to tune in to tonight’s matchup is that Lakers’ Kobe Bryant will be playing after sitting out a few games for Los Angeles due to a sore shin. It will also mark the first time the Spurs will face LA with Bryant.
For a complete preview of tonight’s game, be sure to read Project Spurs’ Paul Garcia’s scouting report but here are five things to watch for in tonight’s contest.
- Spurs should make it key to take the lead at halftime. Los Angeles is 8-15 when trailing at halftime.
- But if the Spurs are leading after the third quarter, then that will also be in the Spurs’ favor. The Lakers are 6-17 when trailing after the third period.
- It be best for San Antonio to take care of the boards. Los Angeles is 7-10 when out-rebounded by their opponent.
- Try to contain as many Lakers as possible Spurs! LA is 10-5 when five Lakers score in double figures.
- If the Lakers score 100 points or more, Spurs might lose. LA is 17-4 when reaching or passing the century mark.
Team vs team: Here is how the Spurs and Lakers have fared against one another in their first two meetings (via nba.com).
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