The Lakers (34-21) will take on the Boston Celtics (36-19) on Sunday as they look to split the season series against their arch rivals. They will also be honoring Pat Riley by unveiling his statue outside Crypto.com Arena.<\/p>\n
Start time and TV schedule<\/p>\n
When: 3:30 p.m. PT, Feb. 22<\/p>\n
It\u2019s only right that the Lakers will face the Celtics at home on the day that they immortalize Pat Riley with a statue. It wouldn\u2019t make sense to face any other opponent because the Celtics play such a huge role in Riley\u2019s historic legacy. So there\u2019s indeed more pressure for the Lakers to win this one.<\/p>\n
The Celtics team stepping onto the court at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday is, unfortunately, a very good one. Despite their best player, Jayson Tatum, being out since the start of the season, they\u2019re sitting nicely in second place in the Eastern Conference. This says a lot about how well-built their roster is and how much weaker the Eastern Conference is than the Western Conference.<\/p>\n
The Lakers should expect a hard-fought game. The Celtics are a team with a top-two offense and top-eight defense. They attempt the third most 3-pointers, so expect a ton of shots from beyond the arc, specifically from Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Payton Pritchard. The Lakers\u2019 perimeter defense will have to be ready. It\u2019ll be interesting to see if they switch from the zone defense coverage they\u2019ve been employing as of late.<\/p>\n