Will the Lakers prevail again against the Capitals?
Washington Wizards vs Los Angeles Lakers is an East-West clash of two in-form teams. The home side have lost consistently for six rounds of play, significantly worsening their starting position in the race for a play-in tourney spot in the East.
Washington Wizards – statistics & current form
Admittedly, the Capitals have been without their leading scorer Bradley Beal for many weeks now. However, this does not explain the Wizards’ recent exceedingly poor performances.
Head coach Wes Unseld Jr. can’t be satisfied with his team’s defensive effort: Only five teams in the NBA allow more points per 100 opponent possessions than the D.C. franchise.
In addition, the record of the recently available newcomer Kristaps Porzingis is somewhat mixed. The Latvian came from Dallas and has not provided a boost for the Wizards so far: Washington has won only one of the six games with the center on board.
LA Lakers – statistics & current form
The Lakers are not getting off the ground: they have won only two of their past five games, which is why Head Coach Frank Vogel continues to fear for his team’s participation in the postseason.
LA is currently in ninth place, but several rivals such as New San Antonio and even the decimated Trail Blazers from Portland are within striking distance.
One reason for the sporting misery is, of course, the absence of Anthony Davis, but as with the opponents, this point can no longer be used as an alibi for the often very weak performances of the record champions.
Rather, the team does not seem very harmonious, and there are only rudimentary signs of a real willingness to fight. LeBron James continues to play very well, but LBJ can’t always do it on his own.
Washington Wizards – LA Lakers tip
The last direct duel was less than ten days ago and ended with a home win for the Lakers. In the encounter, LeBron James delivered 50 points and thus more or less single-handedly set the course for victory for the Californians.
However, the hosts can take heart from their recent home record against LA: the visitors have not won in the capital for more than six years and have instead suffered four defeats at Capital One Arena recently.
For the upcoming clash between the Wizards and Lakers, the forecast nevertheless includes a win for the Californians. Although both teams are not in good shape, the form crisis of the home side is even more pronounced.
In addition, the Lakers have recently scored a success at Toronto and the victory after overtime should have rebuilt the scratched self-confidence a little bit.
