The out-of-sorts Los Angeles Lakers, already searching the horizon for the end of the season, host the Chicago Bulls, who are in need of a confidence restoring victory after struggling in recent times at the Staples Centre. Join The Roar for live scores from 2:30pm (AEDT).
The Lakers have the second-worst record of all NBA teams this season, only ahead of the eastern conference’s Philadelphia 76ers.
The Lakers are last in the western conference, with a record of just nine wins and 38 losses, at a win percentage of 19.1.
Furthermore, the Lakers have lost all of their last seven matches – most of them convincing.
The Bulls meanwhile, might hold an impressive record in the eastern conference to sit in fourth place, however just a fortnight ago they were in a much better position.
Losing three of their last five matches has seen them overtaken by the Toronto Raptors and Atlanta Hawks, with the Boston Celtics breathing fire down their necks for a top-four spot.
The key for both teams is more involvement. For the Lakers, Jordan Clarkson has to stand up and takes some of the load off Kobe Bryant’s shoulders, while for the Bulls it is all about Jimmy Butler, Derrick Rose and Pau Gasol.
The teams are yet to match up this season, and being inter-conference opponents means they will only meet once more this season. The last three years has seen the home team often come out on top.
Prediction
Even though the Bulls are on the road and have been in less-than-impressive form, they should get the job done. The Lakers might give them a strong push, given the rivalry that has built between the two teams, but inexperience will get them down the stretch.
Bulls by 11.
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