Tonight, the Wizards continue their west coast trip—still at Crypto.com center—but against the Lakers. This game will be sad and exciting for me to watch. Last season was when my idea for Wiz Talk with Chase because of my love for the Wizards. But, what made me get truly into them was Russell Westbrook, once he was traded to DC in December of 2020. Last season was so much for to watch Westbrook put up triple double after triple double and lead the Wizards to the playoffs in an incredible 17-6 record to end the season. Without Westbrook, I may have not had this podcast, website, etc. Below is what I think will happen in Westbrook’s first game against his former team?
My prediction: Lakers win in a close game
I think the Lakers will win this game…because of LeBron James. As good as Kristaps Porzingis is, he’s not anywhere close to LeBron James. James is such a talented and strong forward. LeBron will simply dominate the Wizards. I think Westbrook will play well because of LeBron’s dominance. Westbrook should run the bench unit and if he does, the Lakers could win this in a blowout. That is if Westbrook does what he’s supposed to do against Ish Smith and the Wizards bench unit. However, Deni Avdija could be a good player to put on LeBron. Deni has a 99.2 defensive rating in his career against LeBron James. Deni has also been a good defender this season. Because of the Wizards paint play and good shooting recently, this game will be close. But LeBron will be too much for the Wizards to handle and the Lakers will win because of it.
Superman Sleeper: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is my Superman Sleeper for tonight’s game. It is KCP’s first game back in LA after spending 4 seasons there, averaging 11, 3 and 2 and winning an NBA championship (2020). However, in DC he’s been even better as a player. He is averaging 12, 3 and 2 this season and has played exceptional recently. He is averaging 17, 3 and 3 on 49% 3pt shooting. He will have another good game against his former team and is my Superman Sleeper because of it.
1-1,000,000 chance
LeBron James will sore the first basket of the 2nd half and not score in the first 3 minutes of the 1st quarter.
Starters
Wizards Lakers
Neto Westbrook
Kispert Monk
Caldwell-Pope Reaves
Kuzma Johnson
Porzingis James
Injuries
Wizards: Beal (IR)
Lakers: Davis (Out), Horton-Tucker (Questionable), James (Questionable), Monk (Probable), Nunn (Out)
Fun Fact: The Wizards went 2-0 against the Lakers last season!
Chase Coburn
chasecpc@gmail.com
chase@chasessportsnews.com
Wiz Talk with Chase
Cool Sports Network
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