Lakers: Predictions for Week 10
Lakers forward Julius Randle and Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph battle for a rebound during a Dec. 27 game in Memphis.
With their Sunday night loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, the Lakers have five wins in 31 tries, slotting the team in last place in the Western Conference.
They’ll play four games through Week 10, visiting the Charlotte Hornets (16-13) and Boston Celtics (18-13) before returning home to Staples Center to host the Philadelphia 76ers (2-30) and Phoenix Suns (12-20).
Through nine weeks of play, the Lakers are two wins behind the cumulative prediction of 7-24.
Monday at Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are fighting to earn a playoff spot as one of 11 teams with at least a .500 record in the Eastern Conference.
Center Al Jefferson is back from a calf injury and five-game suspension for breaking the NBA’s substance abuse policy.
The Lakers have not played well enough to suggest they’ll get a win on the road in Charlotte, especially on the second night of a back-to-back after their visit to Memphis.
Prediction: Hornets
Wednesday at Boston Celtics
Kobe Bryant will make his final appearance in Boston, another team scrapping for playoff position in the East.
The Celtics have won four straight, just 2.5 games behind the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers (19-9).
Point guard Isaiah Thomas always seems to be an issue for the Lakers.
Prediction: Celtics
Friday vs. Philadelphia 76ers
The Sixers recently traded for New Orleans Pelicans point guard Ish Smith. Rookie center Jahlil Okafor is expected back from a knee injury by Friday.
With just two wins on the season, the 76ers are the only team looking up at the Lakers in the standings. The Sixers defeated the Lakers previously in Philadelphia.
Look for the Lakers to even the season series.
Prediction: Lakers
Sunday vs. Phoenix Suns
The Suns are struggling after losing guard Eric Bledsoe to a knee injury. Markieff Morris will be back from a suspension for throwing a towel at Coach Jeff Hornacek.
The Lakers may catch a vulnerable Phoenix team for what could lead to their first win streak of the season.
Prediction: Lakers
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus
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