Here is what you need to know before the Lakers pay a visit to the Golden State Warriors.
1)
The Lakers are still feeling Swaggy from the night before, as Nick Young knocked down a 3-pointer with 5.0 seconds left to win the game. The Lakers were up by 12 on Oklahoma City halfway through the fourth quarter, but Russell Westbrook led them to a one-point lead in the final seconds before Young took a pass intended for teammate Lou Williams and cashed the game-winner.
2)
The Lakers will be without D’Angelo Russell for the second straight game due to a sore left knee. Jose Calderon started in his place against the Thunder and performed admirably with 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and four 3-pointers. However, it remains to be seen how much the 35-year-old will play on the second night of a back-to-back.
3)
Last time the Lakers faced the Warriors, they sent them back to Oakland with a 20-point rout to think about. Julius Randle led the 117-97 beatdown on Nov. 4 by hauling in 20 points and 14 rebounds, but he might sit on Wednesday after struggling through a hip pointer against OKC.
4)
Since the Warriors were stomped at Staples Center, they have suddenly looked like the juggernaut that most expected them to be at the beginning of the year. Golden State has won all eight of its games since falling to the Lakers, scoring at least 104 points in each contest while averaging 120.6.
5)
Reigning MVP Stephen Curry had one of the worst nights of his career against the Lakers, as he failed to hit a 3-pointer for the first time in a league-record 157 straight games. However, he bounced back in superstar fashion by draining 13 triples in his next contest, breaking the NBA record of 12 previously shared by himself, Kobe Bryant and Donyell Marshall.
6)
Kevin Durant has been an engine of efficient scoring in his first month with Golden State. He ranks sixth in the league in points per game (26.9) and eighth in field goal percentage (56.3). His ability to hit from long range with only rare nights off also has him leading the NBA in effective field goal percentage (62.4).
7)
Klay Thompson scored only 10 points against the Lakers at the beginning of the month, but the two-time All-Star has been red hot over his last three games. During this span, he is averaging 27.3 points while shooting 55.4 percent from the field, including 46.2 percent on 3-pointers.
8)
Draymond Green hasn’t shot the ball particularly well this year, but he has still been a big part of the Warriors’ operation. His 6.9 assists rank 10th in the NBA and, on the other side, he is fourth in steals (2.21) and contests the fifth-most opponent shots (13.2).
9)
Golden State’s offense is unmatched by any team, as it leads the NBA in scoring (117.1), field goal percentage (49.4) and assists (30.9). However, the Lakers do have the firepower to potentially keep up, as their 109.9 points per game is third-best in the league.
10)
Defensively, the Warriors take an opportunistic approach that has them averaging the NBA’s most deflections (18.6) and second-most steals (9.8). Forcing turnovers has led to easy buckets for Golden State, which is putting up a league-high 18.9 fast-break points.
Injury Report
Lakers: D’Angelo Russell (sore left knee) is out. Julius Randle (hip pointer) is doubtful. Ivica Zubac is on D-League assignment.
Warriors: Damian Jones is on D-League assignment.
Tip-off: 7:30 p.m. PT
TV: Spectrum SportsNet and Spectrum Deportes
Radio: 710 ESPN and 1330 KWKW