The Los Angeles Lakers look to get back on the winning track Sunday when they take on the Houston Rockets in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series.
If you had the Lakers dropping Game 1 of this series by 15 on your 2020 bingo card, you win. While I expected a competitive game out of both teams, the end result was surprising. On Friday night, the Rockets were able to handily take care of the Lakers by 15 points.
On Sunday, the two meet once more for what should be a fantastic Game 2 of their series. I have a feeling that LeBron James might not be happy about losing Game 1, so look out, you definitely won’t want to miss Game 2.
After a horrifying collision between Danuel House and P.J. Tucker on Friday, Mike D’Antoni is confident that House will play in Game 2. The Lakers have James, Anthony Davis, and Rajon Rondo all on the injury list, but they should all play on Sunday.
Tip-off is set for 8:30 pm ET on Sunday night and will be broadcast on ABC.
Countdown
After a few hit-or-miss games for James Harden and Russell Westbrook, they looked like themselves on Friday night. Harden finished with 36 points, Westbrook with 24, and Eric Gordon had 23.
Harden and Westbrook also combined for 11 rebounds, 11 assists, and three steals. The dynamic duo needs to keep it going.
While Tucker and Jeff Green only combined for 13 points, they were also a combined +35 while on the floor. If the Rockets want to continue to beat up on the Lakers, they must get more from their bench down the stretch, something to keep an eye on moving forward.
Not Without a Fight
The Lakers won’t be a team that lays down for the Rockets or the other way around. The Lakers could easily win this series, but it will take much more from everyone outside of James and Davis. The Lakers received little to no contributions from their bench or other starters on Friday. That must change.
Kyle Kuzma only finished with eight points, and he was one of the Lakers that had a better game. Alex Caruso was able to provide 14 points, but he was everything outside of the two superstars.
James and Davis need their teammates to step up for the remainder of the series if the Lakers are going to advance.
No Taking Chances
The Lakers head into Sunday night favored by 5.5 points. The game total is set for 223. I fully anticipate a high-scoring game, so the over may be a solid play for you. When these two offenses get it going, they can make it rain.
As for your game pick, I look for this series to be back and forth. And it’s forth time. You’ll want to take the Lakers -5.5 or the moneyline. They should win and win big. Good luck.
