Event of the Day: Los Angeles Lakers v Golden State Warriors
Our event of the day is the NBA clash between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. The Lakers have a young but talented squad that are aiming for the playoff spots this season following a few years of disappointment for the famous club that has won 16 championship titles - their last playoff appearance was in the 2012/13 season. Their home form has been solid (6-5), but they host the Warriors after two straight defeats on the road, the second coming against city rivals the L.A. Clippers, 120-115. Golden State sit in second place in the Western Conference behind leaders, the Houston Rockets, with a 15-6 record, but they are not quite as ruthless as usual. 
The champions surprised in their last match with a 110-106 home loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday and will have to pick themselves up to prevent another unexpected defeat. The Warriors begin their longest road trip of the season, as this is the first of six away games they will play in a row. Golden State will be hoping to welcome back a pair of MVP players, as Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry are due to return. However, the champions still have plenty of quality and are favourites especially if they manage to apply their strong defence lead by Draymond Green, the team’s leader in both rebounds and assists. The Lakers mainly rely on forward Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball, the second overall pick of the 2017 draft who is making steady progress. It is set-up for a great Californian duel at the Staples Center.
The champions surprised in their last match with a 110-106 home loss to the Sacramento Kings on Monday and will have to pick themselves up to prevent another unexpected defeat. The Warriors begin their longest road trip of the season, as this is the first of six away games they will play in a row. Golden State will be hoping to welcome back a pair of MVP players, as Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry are due to return. However, the champions still have plenty of quality and are favourites especially if they manage to apply their strong defence lead by Draymond Green, the team’s leader in both rebounds and assists. The Lakers mainly rely on forward Kyle Kuzma and Lonzo Ball, the second overall pick of the 2017 draft who is making steady progress. It is set-up for a great Californian duel at the Staples Center.
Honourable mentions
around the globe go to the MLS Cup match of the Eastern Conference final between Toronto FC and Columbus Crew at the BMO Field in Toronto. It’s the second leg and the winner of the game will become the Conference champions after the first leg in Colombus ended in 0-0 draw. The winner will play either Houston or Seattle in the MLS Cup Final. Four games are scheduled in the NHL, with the Anaheim Ducks against the St. Louis Blues at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis, the pick of the matches. There are a series of midweek fixtures amongst the European football leagues, we recommend the Ligue 1 clash between Nantes and Monaco at the Stade de la Beaujoire - Louis Fonteneau; and the Premier League game between Stoke and Liverpool at the bet365 Stadium. Manchester City host Southampton at the Etihad Stadium; Arsenal meet Huddersfield Town at their Emirates Stadium; while Everton are up against West Ham United in a match of struggling teams at Goodison Park.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Fixture
Photos by NBA