Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics: 5 players to watch for

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BOSTON, MA – NOVEMBER 8: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket while guarded by Lonzo Ball #2 of the Los Angeles Lakers on November 8, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Kyrie Irving

The Lakers are going to have their hands full trying to slow down Kyrie Irving. Without their starting backcourt, the Lakers are going to be relying on second and third stringers to try and slow down one of the better scoring guards in the NBA.

In the first game this season, with a healthy backcourt, the Lakers were able to contain Irving. He scored 19 points, but shot the ball poorly, making 7-of-21 from the field, missing all seven of his 3-point attempts. Irving did salvage the line with six rebounds and five assists. However, he is coming into the game hot.

After sitting out one game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Irving exploded against the Orlando Magic. The Celtics didn’t win the game, but Irving did everything he could to get the team a victory.

Irving poured in 40 points, his second highest total of the season. He shot 14-of-23 from the field, including 5-of-7 from deep and 7-of-8 from the foul line. Irving added seven rebounds, five assists and one block.

Slowing down the dynamic Irving will be imperative to the Lakers chances of getting an upset victory. If they can limit his scoring as they did in the first meeting, they have a shot to pick up the victory.

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