GT #68: Wizards @ Lakers 10:30 PM CSN

[FAH1223]

I'd like to get this W just cause I can't stand Laker fans.

[Jimmy Recard]

With Beal out, along with AJ again most likely, need another big game from Wall, and one of Martell or Ariza to get hot from deep if we're gonna have a chance.

Is Okafor playing?

[FAH1223]

With Beal out, along with AJ again most likely, need another big game from Wall, and one of Martell or Ariza to get hot from deep if we're gonna have a chance.

Is Okafor playing?

Based on this photo, I think he will. Otherwise all these guys would have the flu.

[tontoz]

I heard that both Kobe and Gasol will be back tonight.

[Jimmy Recard]

Nice. Well i think our bigs can hold their own against the Lakers, even with Pau back. If they're starting Clark over Pau, then we need to dump the ball to Nene early and often and let him go to work. Okafor can hold his own against Dwight, and Temple's length might give Kobe some problems, though i'm not counting on it. Like i said, we really need John to go ham on the Lakers backcourt, he's definitely capable, and the Lakers perimeter D is pathetic.

And yeah, another 3 point barrage from this guy wouldn't hurt either

[nuposse04]

Not to be that guy, but shouldn't Nate be making the GT? We did win the last game... This game could already have some bad juju...which could be a good or bad thing depending on your tanking stance.

Oh and Temple is probably better suited to play Kobe anyways.

[TGW]

I know the tank would get derailed if we won, but I hate the Lakers...would be awesome to stomp them in that fake arena in LA....

[FAH1223]

Not to be that guy, but shouldn't Nate be making the GT? We did win the last game... This game could already have some bad juju...which could be a good or bad thing depending on your tanking stance.

Oh and Temple is probably better suited to play Kobe anyways.

I have mixed feelings. I know nate SHOULD start the game thread. I know I want the Wizards to beat the Lakers. But you know, deep down inside, the tank might need some insurance.

[WizardsWorld]

Yep.... As bad as I want to tank.... I live in LA and laker fans are the most nauseating creatures around.... so I would take a WIN over the lakers over a tank anyday.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I heard that both Kobe and Gasol will be back tonight.

it will be very difficult for Washington to win. Kobe and Dwight combined might get 40 FTs tonight--if Howard doesn't get that many by himself.

There is a great chance that at some point I'm going to need to exercise self control to keep from cursing at the television. The officiating in Laker and Heat games is often very one-sided.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

Yep.... As bad as I want to tank.... I live in LA and laker fans are the most nauseating creatures around.... so I would take a WIN over the lakers over a tank anyday.

+1

LAL games are televised here in Hawaii. Most of the islanders are Laker fans. I don't dislike the local Laker fans but the majority of the ones who blog on Yahoo and many on RealGM are annoyingly biased.

[FAH1223]

I heard that both Kobe and Gasol will be back tonight.

it will be very difficult for Washington to win. Kobe and Dwight combined might get 40 FTs tonight--if Howard doesn't get that many by himself.

There is a great chance that at some point I'm going to need to exercise self control to keep from cursing at the television. The officiating in Laker and Heat games is often very one-sided.

I wouldn't say that CCJ. Kobe is definitely not 100% and his team defense is horrible. I think if the Wizards keep moving the ball, they will get easy buckets on this team. The Lakers can't guard the perimeter and turn it over a lot. That spells transition opportunities for John and the other wings.

[Chocolate City Jordanaire]

I think the refs and how the game is officiated will present the greatest challenge. Kobe is going to be protected at both ends of the court.

Just going by the matchups, I think Washington has the team to beat the Lakers. The Lakers have no chance in transition against John Wall. Webster should be wide open for corner threes. Ariza if healthy plays well against his old team in his hometown. Depending upon which Nene shows up he and Okafor can contain Howard. The fact the Lakers want to run plays into the Wizards hands. Washington is also a grinding team that rarely gets blown away.

I am most concerned about the Lakers being in the penalty, shooting a bunch of FTs this game.

[AFM]

We get the W tonight. I will miss the game as I have a SOIREE to attend, but I've got no doubt Martell goes bananas and John drops a triple double.

[FAH1223]

i have no cable at my new house... i gotta listen on the radio tonight.. grr

[Ruzious]

With Beal out, along with AJ again most likely, need another big game from Wall, and one of Martell or Ariza to get hot from deep if we're gonna have a chance.

Is Okafor playing?

Day to day is the latest for Okafor. Ariza's been having on and off knee issues recently, so Cartier Martin better be ready. LAL will be very highly motivated and boosted by Pau's arrival. Prediction LAL 111, Wash 89.

[TheKingOfVa360]

This should be a fun game. Hope Wall goes for 30 and 10 assists and we get the win.

[MikeTheKid]

Please oh Please Based John Wall go HAM on Nash and Kobe tonight!!!

[dlts20]

I would feel more confident in Wall if both Beal & Oak were playing. Collins is horrible on O which screws John up. Temple is solid but his J is not reliable so we have bad floor spacing. Now it sounds like Oak will be back which is great but I would love another shooter on the floor with Wall "if" Temple is off.

Wall can kill this D. They are all either too old & slow or too big & slow. He can get anywhere he wants. The only thing that would stop him is not having enough shooters or scorers around him. With that being said, I still hate hate hate our pick & roll. Its still way more East-West than North-South which I think would make Wall so dominant

[sfam]

At this point, I want the Tank more than I want the win. I want a close loss, with a dominant performance by Wall.