Tuesday, October 28, 2014 at 10:30 PM

Staples Center in Los Angeles

For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here

The Lakers are coming off their worst season in decades. With limited point guard depth, the Lakers are counting on Jeremy Lin to run their offense. Steve Nash is likely out for the season and may be ending his career due to an injury. Kobe Bryant is ready to go in this season opener, but the team is down several other players. Xavier Henry, Jordan Hill, Nick Young, Wayne Ellington, and Ryan Kelly are all not fit to play in this game. Lin told the media the team sometimes struggled to put ten players on the court during training camp.

The Houston Rockets are looking strong as a team, despite several roster adjustments during the off-season. Dwight Howard and James Harden are arguably two of the top ten players in the NBA. The team has added several young player and veterans to their roster. Howard commented on the team’s development saying, “we will continue to grow throughout the season.” Harden claims to have improved his skills on both ends of the court for this upcoming season.

The media focus for this game has been the mixture of teammates. Lin and Howard are former teammates on the Rockets, as well as Howard and Kobe on the Lakers. The three players have not expressed any animosity toward each other. However it is probably safe to say, NBA fans can expect each players’ highly competitive nature to surface for this season opener.

Injuries to Watch

Houston Rockets

10/24/14 C Dwight Howard Arm probable Tuesday vs. LA Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers

10/27/14 G Ronnie Price Knee is upgraded to probable Tuesday vs. Houston
10/27/14 G Wayne Ellington Concussion is downgraded to expected to miss Tuesday vs. Houston
10/27/14 C Jordan Hill Neck probable Tuesday vs. Houston
10/27/14 F Ryan Kelly Hamstring is downgraded to expected to miss Tuesday vs. Houston
10/27/14 G Xavier Henry Knee "?" Tuesday vs. Houston
10/23/14 G Steve Nash Back out for season
10/04/14 G Nick Young Thumb expected to miss 6-8 weeks

Guy's Pick: Take Houston

Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here

Read more articles by Guy Bruhn