Preview: Lakers at New York Knicks
The Lakers (1-4) look to build a win streak on Sunday, visiting the New York Knicks (2-4) after getting their first victory of the season Friday over the Brooklyn Nets (0-7).
The Knicks have dropped three straight games but are getting steady play from fourth-overall pick Kristaps Porzingis.
D’Angelo Russell, the Lakers’ second-overall selection, is coming off a career-high 16 points against the Nets.
While the Lakers are healthy, the Knicks may be without Arron Afflalo, who has been struggling with a hamstring injury.
Key matchup
Forward Carmelo Anthony is averaging 21 points a game for the Knicks, but the All-Star is shooting just 36.6% from the field and just 31.4% over the team’s recent losing streak.
The Lakers start Kobe Bryant at small forward, in what will likely be his last game at Madison Square Garden.
Bryant is also struggling with his shot, hitting just 32.11% of his attempts. Bryant led the Lakers in scoring against the Nets with 18 points in 31 minutes.
If Bryant resists the urge to attempt three-point shots (converting just 21.1%), his overall field-goal percentage should climb.
Defensively, Anthony could be a bit too much for Bryant to handle Sunday.
X-factor
Porzingis is the Knicks’ second-leading scorer at 12.3 points a game. He’s shooting just 40.9% from the field but is also averaging 8.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals a night.
The Lakers will presumably match up second-year forward Julius Randle against him. Randle is scoring 14.0 points with 8.0 rebounds a night, shooting 47.4% from the field.
While the Lakers need points from players like Jordan Clarkson, Lou Williams and Russell, their biggest issue this season has been on the defensive end.
The Knicks score 100.3 points a night while yielding 101.3. The Lakers average 106.2 points offensively while giving up 113.0.
Outlook
Perhaps the Lakers have discovered how to win games in Brooklyn. The Knicks are inconsistent but should be favored Sunday.
Email Eric Pincus at Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.comfollow him on Twitter @EricPincus.
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