PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NBA Sunday Spread Crusher
(NBA) New Orleans vs. LA Lakers,
10/22/2017 5:30 PM, Score: 119 - 112
Point Spread: -4.00 | -102.00 New Orleans (Away)
Result: Win
Point Spread: -4.00 | -102.00 New Orleans (Away)
Result: Win
The Lakers not only were last in the NBA defensively in giving up points per 100 possessions last season, but they had the worst mark in that key defensive category this decade.
LA's defense doesn't look much better this season either. But all the publicity is about rookie point guard Lonzo Ball. He is an exciting talent. But he's also a poor shooter - 13-for-33 from the floor - and he doesn't play much defense. Same with his backcourt mate Brandon Ingram. They could be the worst defensive backcourt in the NBA.
The Lakers were blown out in their opener by the Clippers and then defeated the Suns, who could be the worst team in the NBA. Now they get the Pelicans.
New Orleans is dropping way down in class. The Pelicans opened with a road loss against the unbeaten Grizzlies, who just upset the Warriors last night, and then lost at home to the Warriors, 128-120. The Pelicans played well in that defeat. They would have beaten many teams with that display just not the defending world champions.
The Pelicans are putting a lot of emphasis on getting their first victory here. They should dominate the frontcourt with Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Both monsters are off to strong starts as they get more and more comfortable with each other. Davis is averaging 34 points and 17.5 rebounds while Cousins is putting up 31.5 points and12 rebounds per game.
LA's defense doesn't look much better this season either. But all the publicity is about rookie point guard Lonzo Ball. He is an exciting talent. But he's also a poor shooter - 13-for-33 from the floor - and he doesn't play much defense. Same with his backcourt mate Brandon Ingram. They could be the worst defensive backcourt in the NBA.
The Lakers were blown out in their opener by the Clippers and then defeated the Suns, who could be the worst team in the NBA. Now they get the Pelicans.
New Orleans is dropping way down in class. The Pelicans opened with a road loss against the unbeaten Grizzlies, who just upset the Warriors last night, and then lost at home to the Warriors, 128-120. The Pelicans played well in that defeat. They would have beaten many teams with that display just not the defending world champions.
The Pelicans are putting a lot of emphasis on getting their first victory here. They should dominate the frontcourt with Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins. Both monsters are off to strong starts as they get more and more comfortable with each other. Davis is averaging 34 points and 17.5 rebounds while Cousins is putting up 31.5 points and12 rebounds per game.
