Tonight at the TD Garden in Boston, the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics will rekindle their long-standing rivalry. There are always plenty of shocks in these games between the two teams, and occasionally there are even spectacular finishes. Los Angeles will be trying to restore some form of normalcy for themselves as they come into the game after two straight losses. Despite the controversy that has surrounded the club the whole season, a victory over their bitter rivals would be encouraging. According to the NBA’s most recent injury report, center Luke Kornet is questionable with a left hamstring strain, meaning Boston might be missing one of their important players for the game. Despite not being a household name, Kornet has blended in nicely with the NBA’s top team, the Celtics.
Kornet has averaged 5.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game in 33 games. His 7’1 frame offers them plenty of length on the court, and he provides them with an extra large body off the bench. Additionally, Kornet averages one block every game. Given how awful the Lakers’ defense has been playing lately, the Celtics will be a serious defensive challenge. Boston will try to capitalize on Los Angeles’s recent struggles to restrict opponents from the outset. The Celtics would love nothing more than to contribute to the Lakers’ current collapse. Even if the rivalry isn’t as strong as it once was, when the two teams get together, bragging rights are on the line.