Nets Face First Real Test Without Kenny Atkinson as Coach; Getting 10.5 Points at Lakers

• The Lakers will host the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, March 10th at 10:30pm EST from Staples Center
• LAL has been on fire since the All-Star break, going 9-1 including weekend defeats of the Bucks and Clippers
• This will be Brooklyn’s first serious test since mutually parting ways with Head Coach Kenny Atkinson on Saturday

The red-hot Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday, March 10th, with tip-off coming at 10:30 PM EST at the Staples Center.

This is the second meeting between these two this season, with the Lakers coming out victorious back in January behind LeBron’s 27 points.

Brooklyn has won two straight, including a tight win over the Bulls on Sunday. Assistant coach Jacque Vaughn has taken over the head coaching duties for the Nets in place of Kenny Atkinson.

Brooklyn Nets vs LA Lakers Odds

Odds taken March 10th.

The Lakers Are Rolling

LeBron and the Lakers hold the best record in the association since the All-Star Break, losing just once in ten contests. The King has been a huge reason they’ve been unstoppable, dropping 30.1 points and dishing out 9.5 assists while also shooting a ridiculous 55 percent from the field in his last eight contests.

On the season, James is averaging 25.7 per night, so he’s definitely stepped it up in the second half so far. However, a lingering groin issue could keep him out on Tuesday against Brooklyn. Veteran guard Rajon Rondo would most likely start in his place.

If James is unable to suit up, Anthony Davis would definitely see his usage rate skyrocket in this game. AD is also having a solid year, averaging 26.7 points and 9.4 boards per contest. The 26-year old has a slight elbow issue, but with LeBron most likely out, Davis will probably play through the minor injury.

Coming off a huge win over the Clippers on Sunday, Frank Vogel’s team will look to keep the ball rolling on Tuesday, even without their star player in the lineup. They currently hold a 6.5 lead over the Clips at the top of the Western Conference.

Brooklyn Transitions After Atkinson

Interim Head Coach Jacque Vaughn enjoyed a positive start to life in charge of the Nets, beating a struggling Bulls team by three points at home on Sunday. They now make the long trek across to the West Coast, where they’ll play all four California teams across the next week.

Jacque Vaughn addresses the media after his debut and first win as @BrooklynNets head coach. pic.twitter.com/6EhNC4ZRFC

— YES Network (@YESNetwork) March 8, 2020

Despite losing Kyrie Irving for the remainder of the year, the Nets have had a respectable season, currently 29-34, putting them seventh in the East.

Spencer Dinwiddie has emerged as the primary man for Brooklyn, putting up 20.6 points while playing in all 63 games. They have six different players who are scoring in double digits this year, proving that this team has numerous different weapons.

It’s going to be a slight transition for Brooklyn with a brand new head coach, but at least it’s a familiar face who was already an assistant. Atkinson spent four years as the HC of the Nets and given their subpar year, it was time for a change.

Lakers Should Win Without LeBron

Even with James potentially out of the lineup, the Lakeshow shouldn’t have any problem winning against the Nets. Brooklyn is just 11-20 on the road, while LA is 23-7 at the Staples Center. Kuzma, Rondo, and especially AD will need to step up and generate more points than usual in LeBron’s absence which I don’t see being a problem, especially considering they have home-court advantage.

Pick: Lakers -10.5 (-111)