If you're a fan of the exhuastion = lack of defense theory, then this is your game.
The Lakers are coming off a long midwestern road trip. This is their third game in four days. Their coming home off only one day of rest. Their last game was an emotionally and physically draining overtime loss on Saturday. No Shaq means more minutes for the other big men in the rotation.
Memphis is playing game 3 of a western road trip. Their last game was a great double overtime win against a physical Utah team Saturday night. Memphis will have easier access for their slashers to get to the basket w/o O'Neal.
Both of these teams should definitely be tired.
The only question is can LA make up for Shaq's offense? The Lakers should get plenty of opportunities to make open jumpers. If they can hit anywhere near the percentage they usually make, this game should go well over 188.
The Lakers are coming off a long midwestern road trip. This is their third game in four days. Their coming home off only one day of rest. Their last game was an emotionally and physically draining overtime loss on Saturday. No Shaq means more minutes for the other big men in the rotation.
Memphis is playing game 3 of a western road trip. Their last game was a great double overtime win against a physical Utah team Saturday night. Memphis will have easier access for their slashers to get to the basket w/o O'Neal.
Both of these teams should definitely be tired.
The only question is can LA make up for Shaq's offense? The Lakers should get plenty of opportunities to make open jumpers. If they can hit anywhere near the percentage they usually make, this game should go well over 188.
