Preview: Warriors to size up Lakers on opening night

Who: Golden State Warriors @ Los Angeles Lakers

When: Tuesday, October 19th, 2021 @ 7PM PT

How to Watch: TNT

How to Listen: 95.7 The Game

Injuries:

Warriors: Klay Thompson (out, Achilles), James Wiseman (out, knee) Jonathan Kuminga (out, knee)

Lakers: Trevor Ariza (out, ankle), Talen Horton-Tucker (out, thumb), Malik Monk (probable, groin), Kendrick Nunn (questionable, ankle), Wayne Ellington (out)

There is some legit concern in Dub Nation that this team may be leaning too far into playing fast and small, as Kevon Looney, Nemanja Bjelica, and defensive stalwart Draymond Green are the only healthy “bigs” available. James Wiseman was drafted to anchor that center spot, but he’s injured and still has a lots of learning to do before that position is no longer considered a roster question mark.

And if there was ever a team to get those anxious fans saying “I TOLD YOU SO!”, it’s these giant Lakers.

• DeAndre Jordan - 6-foot-11
• Dwight Howard - 6-foot-10
• Anthony Davis - 6-foot-10
• LeBron James - 6-foot-9

Even the Lakers newly acquired point guard Russell Westbrook puts pressure on the paint despite being 6-foot-3; the triple-double machine has no fear of contact and imposes his physicality.

On the flip side, can these Lakers keep up with the blinding speed and seamless psychic connectivity of these swarming Warriors? During the preseason (which is pretty meaningless) the Warriors beat the Lakers twice behind a high octane offense and a turnover hungry defense. L.A. averaged 23.5 turnovers in the two preseason games, with Golden State deploying a zone defense that stymied their attack.

Greatest point guard alive Stephen Curry will be the center of attention against the Lakers’ defense, and as he waits for his injured Splash Bro Klay Thompson to return, he’ll need his other teammates to step up on opening night.

Fortunately for Dub Nation, Curry has a backcourt partner that seems ready for the task. Jordan Poole averaged 23 points per game against LA in the preseason, and mesmerized viewers with his dangerous combination of crafty dribbles and deep shooting. This season may be a coming out party for the third year pro, and if so, what a better night to start it than against the team favored to win the West?