The Los Angeles Lakers (1-0) will aim for a second straight win to open the 2016-2017 NBA Season as they face the Utah Jazz (0-1) at the Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Friday, Oct. 28.
Start Time and Streaming Info
The game starts at 9:00 p.m. ET. It can be viewed live online thru the NBA League Pass.
Preview
The Lakers young core led the team in defeating James Harden and the Houston Rockets, 120-114, at the Staples Center on Wednesday as the franchise began their season without Kobe Bryant for the first time in two decades, as per the Los Angeles Times.
It was a close game from the opening tip-off as both sides clicked on offense. The first quarter ended in a 38-38 tie before the Rockets turned on the gas in the second period to lead 71-63 at the half.
Houston led 96-90 to start the fourth quarter, but the Lakers went on a 30-18 run in the final period to overtake the Rockets and pull off the come-from-behind win.
Jordan Clarkson led the Lakers in scoring coming off the bench with 25 points. He also had three rebounds and three steals.
Starting point guard D'Angelo Russell was also impressive with 20 points and three assists while power forward Julius Randle contributed 18 points, seven boards, and six assists in a remarkable all-around display.
Rookie Brandon Ingram came off the bench to score nine points and grab three rebounds in 24 minutes. He shot 4-for-6 from the floor.
Meanwhile, the Jazz was defeated by the Portland Trail Blazers, 113-104, in their season-opener at the Moda Center on Tuesday, ESPN reported.
Veteran wingman Joe Johnson led Utah with 29 points, four rebounds, and three assists as he shot an impressive 12-for-16 from the field including a 3-for-4 clip from the three-point line. Third-year shooting guard Rodney Hood backed him up with 26 points and two boards.
Starting center Rudy Gobert had a monster double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds in a losing effort.
Head coach Quin Snyder is currently missing several key players to injuries, namely Gordon Hayward, Derrick Favors, and Alec Burks, which greatly affects their depth.
Prediction
A close win for the young Lakers to open the season with two straight victories. The Jazz is undermanned and uninspired at the moment. If Coach Snyder can motivate them to come together as a team, then they can beat the offensive-minded Lakers.