All Lakers Expert Predictions For Rematch Against Frisky Orlando Magic

Can they complete the season sweep?

Tonight at 4 p.m. PT in Orlando, your Los Angeles Lakers will hope to once again defeat the Orlando Magic, and in so doing complete their season sweep of the upstart young club. Our panel of All Lakers experts -- Alex Kirschenbaum, Noah Camras and Ricardo Sandoval -- unpacks some burning questions.

1. What adjustments will the Magic make as they attempt to avenge their Monday loss against LA?

Alex: Orlando almost had LA's number in this one, and led late into the fourth quarter. It took a 12-5 Lakers run to close the Magic out. The team will be without starting center Wendell Carter Jr. manning the middle tonight, and will probably use floor-stretching five Moritz Wagner (a 2018 Lakers draft pick out of Michigan) instead. That's a shame, because Wagner will be even less equipped to handle LA superstar center Anthony Davis, The Brow pummeled the Magic Monday, scoring 26 points on 12-of-18 shooting, grabbing 19 boards, passing for five dimes, blocking three shots and swiping one steal for good measure.

Noah: Like Alex said, the loss of Wendell Carter Jr. is going to be huge as Anthony Davis is going to feast in the paint. Additionally, expect to see the Lakers big lineup of Davis, Christian Wood and Jaxson Hayes make life beyond difficult for Orlando, as LA goes for the season sweep.

Ricardo: They’ll look to contain the Lakers in their field goal shooting and points in the paint. The Magic allowed the Lakers to score 54 points in the paint to their 44, and allowed LA to field goal percentage of 53.2%. Outside of that, the Magic led or every other major category. LA will need to continue to dominate in those departments, while shooting better from three and win the rebound and turnover battle.

2. Which Lakers frontcourt player will stand out against Orlando's weakened center rotation?

Noah: I'm expecting to see yet another big Christian Wood game. He's quietly been one of LA's most valuable players to start the year, and Darvin Ham is continuing to play him more minutes. I expect him to continue his consistent scoring and rebounding against Orlando.

Ricardo: Luckily for the Lakers, Wendell Carter Jr. will be out for the Magic with a left hand fracture. This will hurt the Magic frontcourt in a big way so it’ll be vital for Christian Wood to continue his solid play on both sides of the ball. Wood has been excellent for the Lakers, especially in the rebounding department combining for 20 in the last two games. If Wood can continue his good play, LA will be able to dominate in that category and get the win.

Alex: Jaxson Hayes, who quietly played important minutes for Los Angeles in its 130-125 Wednesday overtime win over the Clippers, seems like he could be imperative spelling Davis in the post -- or, heck, even playing alongside him.

3. Can LA win and cover the -3.5 spread?

Ricardo: The Lakers have yet to win a road game, so it’s quite surprising they are favorites on the road. The Magic are relatively healthy than LA, but not quite as talented, because of this (and two days of rest) LA will not only win but surpass the spread.

Alex: Given all of the Magic's injury absences, I'm a bit shocked the projected margin is so slim. I'd take Los Angeles to cover.

Noah: The Lakers have their fair share of absences, too, Alex! But either way, I expect LeBron and AD — who haven't played since Wednesday — to enter this game energized and ready to move LA to 4-2 on the year. Give me the Lakers to win and cover.

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