The Golden State Warriors have only lost 13 games during the 2014/15 NBA season.
With seven fewer losses than any other team in the Western Conference, Golden State should easily cruise to the best record in the West. The Warriors' only worry is Atlanta, who only trails Golden State by half a game in the standings. However, that head-to-head difference would not come into play until and unless both teams make it to the NBA Finals.
The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Hawks on Sunday at Staples Center, which means Monday night in rowdy Oracle Arena does not promise to end well. On the second night of a back-to-back, away from home and struggling to finish the season on a strong note, Bovada and other Las Vegas sports books list the Lakers as 18-point underdogs. Monday night could get ugly and quick.
Worth pointing out that one of the Lakers' 17 wins on the season came against the Warriors. However, few expect a repeat of the Dec. 23 115-105 victory at Staples Center. On that night, the Lakers finished with seven different players scoring in double figures with Carlos Boozer leading the way with 18 points and nine rebounds. Point guard Ronnie Price finished with 17 points and eight assists, as Kobe Bryant took a night off to rest following a fatigued performance against the Sacramento Kings only two nights earlier.
Although not officially ruled out for the season, Price told NBCLA.com on Sunday night that his chances of returning this season were "slim to none."
"Slim to none" is probably an accurate way to describe the Lakers' chances on Sunday night, too. However, here are two reasons to tune in on Monday night.
First, a trio of rookies should earn a great deal of experience from facing the best team in the NBA in an intimidating arena. Jordan Clarkson facing Stephen Curry should help the Lakers' rookie point guard gain valuable experience. If Clarkson plans to play in the NBA as a point guard, Curry should be one of the premier players at the position for the next decade. Rookies Tarik Black and Jabari Brown also stand to see valuable minutes on the court.
Local
Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.
Second, Curry is currently the favorite to win the league's Most Valuable Player award, and watching the best player in any league at the top of his game is worth the price of admission, which for most Southern Californians is a cable bill that has already been paid. Currently, Curry is ahead of the field in the MVP race with James Harden second in the conversation. With the Warriors sitting at the top of the NBA, Curry's argument carries more weight.
Tipping at 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time, the Lakers face the best player and team in the NBA.
