Suns/Lakers Game Preview 1/17/08
The Phoenix Suns are getting a bit healthier after a slew of injuries and illnesses - all of which is good for Suns' fans, but bad for the suddenly desperate Lakers.
After beating Phoenix a few weeks ago and taking over the Western Conference's best record, at least for a few days, the Lakers are hurting at center. Andrew Bynum, the Lakers up & coming stud, injured his knee and is now out for approximately 8 weeks. While the Lakers' record seems a bit bloated right now, they do have a better record than the Suns, Spurs and Mavericks... something is hard to overlook, in terms of achievement. The Lakers are winning... or at least they were.
Kobe Bryant will look to dominate against the Suns, but his supporting cast will need to step up in order for LA to get a win. Kwame Brown takes over at center, which is kind of like Jessica Simpson winning a spelling bee... it ain't gonna happen. Look for the Lakers to try and pick up another experienced PF/C to fill the gap left by Bynum. Kwame is big and..... oh wait, there's nothing else to add here.
Grant Hill is still out for the Suns (appendix), but Marion and Nash should be pretty well recovered from their elbow/shoulder & stomach flu, respectively.
Phoenix has been struggling of late and there are rumors starting to fly... "trade Amare", "trade Marion". I don't buy it though... I think the Suns are just getting bored. 82 games will take a tole on anyone.
Game prediction... 114-108 (Suns)