Fri: SAS at LAL, 9 PM CST
Time: 10:05 PM ET
TV: ESPN
Spread: SAS -8.5
M/L: SAS -420; LAL +310
Total: 204
Betting Odds courtesy of Bovada
For those familiar with the NBA and the career of Kobe Bryant, it’s a simple notion that one superstar can’t save an otherwise horrible team. When Kobe teamed up with the likes of Kwame Brown, Chris Mihm and Smush Parker, the Lakers are horrible. Sitting at 1-7 with a home contest to the San Antonio Spurs, the Lakers find itself 8.5-point underdogs to the reigning NBA champions.
The Lakers were dealt a blow when Julius Randle sustained an injury. The Lakers are applying for an exemption which will allow them the room to obtain a player of equal salary. But it’s not as though such a player can save the Lakers from what is happening. Jordan Hill has been impressive with minutes and an increased opportunity. He’s posted a PER of 20.8, nearly equal to Bryant’s.
Kobe has been himself; 27.5 points, 5.4 rebound and 3.4 assists per game. But it’s going to take a lot from a cast of supporting players that are very unproven (Jeremy Lin, Wesley Johnson, Ed Davis) or simply not that good (Carlos Boozer).
San Antonio has struggled early on and is 4-3 on the season. The Spurs notched a big victory over Golden State Tuesday night, getting 28 points and seven assists from Tony Parker. The Spurs have fallen to some tough foes. Losses to Phoenix, Houston and New Orleans are all forgivable, notwithstanding that the Spurs are the best team in the West.
Tim Duncan has received a bump in minutes this season, playing 33.2 after having been under 30 the past two seasons. He’s responded by posting 14.7 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.67 blocks per game, while averaging a PER of 20.2. Kawhi Leonard has continued his tough play from the Finals, and he’s averaging 13.8 points, eight rebounds and 2.5 assists per game, while also coming up with 1.67 steals per contest.
The Spurs have the pieces in tact, and this weak start to the season isn’t much for coach Gregg Popovich to be concerned over. A loss to the Lakers tonight would signal an alarm, though.
