Indiana Pacers will be at Crypto.com arena to face Los Angeles Lakers on 19th January 2022
The Los Angeles Lakers are one unpredictable team. They have a star-studded roster, but no one is really very consistent besides LeBron James. This gives them a very poor record (considering the team value and players) of 22-22 and they currently sit at 8th in the Western Conference.
Indiana Pacers‘ struggles are directly related to their injury issues. They hardly had a fully fit squad most of the season and players’ performances were also seen going a bit downside due to fatigue and injuries. Pacers are virtually out of the postseason, with a 15-29 record, and placed 13th in the east.
Los Angeles Lakers players have shown some flashes of their quality in games. Anthony Davis is still out with an injury and plays from Westbrook haven’t been really consistent. That leaves with only LeBron, being the dependable player for them, who delivered against top side Utah Jazz. This concludes their current streak – W1
Lance Stephenson returned to the Pacers on a 10-day contract and played well in the opening game. But he couldn’t create the same magic in the following games. Also, the absence of Myles Turner cost them games against the Celtics, Clippers, and the Suns. This concludes the Pacers current streak – L4
Head to head record between Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers: The Lakers hold a huge advantage over the Pacers in head to head matchups, winning nearly twice as many games as their opponents (63-32)
Current season home record for the Lakers: Lakers have performed better at home than in away games (15-11)
Current season away record for the Pacers at Lakers: This would be their first visit this season. (0-0)
Current season Head to head record between Pacers and Lakers: Lakers have won the last meeting in overtime at the Pacers (1-0)
Last 10 Matches record between the Pacers and Lakers: Both teams have fared equally against each other in the last 10 games. (5-5)
Game Time: 19/1/2022 22:30 ET, 06:30 GMT (20/1/2022)
Arena: Crypto.com arena, LA
Broadcaster: Bally Sports Network, NBA League Pass
Los Angeles Lakers have to figure out games they must win to survive their season. If they can make it to the postseason, then things could be more interesting, as the proven stars, James, in particular, play a very effective role in the playoffs.
The Pacers have a good team in hand but like said earlier injuries to key players handed them some unfortunate losses. Players are giving 100% on court, but unable to snatch wins in decisive moments. This is where James and Lakers can excel and get their 2nd win for the home fans.
Star Player for Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James
LeBron James is playing top-quality basketball at the age of 37. He is constantly delivering 25 odd points with near 7-8 assists and 8-9 rebounds in games. James leads the team in steals and blocks also giving him the best overall stats for the team.
Perfect Support Cast for Lakers: Russell Westbrook and Malik Monk
Westbrook might not be as explosive as we are used to seeing him in other jerseys, but he still plays a key role in Lakers games. His on-court productions do not give him the full credit he deserves but is still the second-best player in the Lakers roster after Davis’s injury.
Malik Monk scores a handful of points but needs to be a more regular scorer for the team. He has scored 20+ points in 10 games this season and averages 12 points a game, which highlights his inconsistency.
Star player for Pacers: Domantas Sabonis
Sabonis has played most games and minutes for the Pacers team indicating his importance in the team. He leads average points, rebounds, and assists for the Pacers. A double-double performance in any game looks natural for him since he is directing the traffic for the team.
Perfect Support Cast for Pacers: Caris LeVert and Chris Duarte
The guard pair has shared the ball well and also delivered when required by the coach. But injuries had kept them sidelined for many games. LeVert in particular is more impactful for the team as he possesses good field goal efficiency and scores 15 odd points regularly for them.
Team News for Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers
The home team only has Doumbouya out serving NBA Covid-19 Protocol. But knee injuries to Davis, Dwight Howard, and Nunn make them questionable for the game.
Indiana Pacers injury worries continue as they will be without star center Myles Turner and TJ Warren. Malcolm Brogdon and Jeremy Lamb are also questionable for the game.
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