Tonight at 10:30 p.m. ET the Golden State Warriors (8-4), rapidly turning into a Western Conference powerhouse, will take on their in-state rivals the Los Angeles Lakers (5-7) at the Staples Center on ESPN in NBA action that can be live streamed here free. Warriors fans can listen to the game on KNBR 680, while Lakers fans can catch the radio broadcast on 710 ESPN.
The Lakers are on the verge of some much-needed offensive punch as Kobe Bryant is apparently nearing a return from a torn Achilles tendon suffered against these very Warriors.
In his absence though the Lakers have stayed afloat largely because of the work of Jordan Hill, who is averaging 18.8 points and 12 rebounds since joining the starting lineup.
"I get more confidence every time I step on the floor," Hill said. "We don't have Steve Nash. We don't have Kobe. We've got guys that we know have to step up. We're banding together as a team."
Hill will be important against a Warriors team that just lost depth in its frontcourt, with Jermaine O'Neal out of commission. Also, All-Star point guard Stephen Curry may miss tonight's game with a "mild concussion."
"Obviously he's a big-time player and not having him hurts us," coach Mark Jackson said. "Next guy stands up and we are a no-excuse basketball team and I thought my guys gave a great effort. They defended, battled and we fell short." Backup Toney Douglas is listed as day-to-day as well, so Golden State may be running with a thin roster tonight.
That means more will be expected of super wing defender Andre Iguodala, who struggled mightily against Memphis tough D. The Lakers will surely be more yielding. "I felt really good," Iguodala said. "A few were short but a few were just right there. ... I've just got to go into it and take the shots, not second guess."
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