The Los Angeles Lakers look to start the season 9-0 for the second time in franchise history tonight, as they battle the Nuggets at Pepsi Center in Denver. The Lakers have started 9-0 only once in franchise history, when they began the season 11-0. Sure, the Lakers have been without center Andrew Bynum as he recovers from knee surgery, but for the most part they have blessed with good health in the early going this season. They have had the same starting lineup for each game, something that is not expected to change tonight in Denver.
Here are the probable starting lineups and injury reports for both teams:
Lakers
Point Guard: Derek Fisher
Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant
Small Forward: Ron Artest
Power Forward: Lamar Odom
Center: Pau Gasol
Theo Ratliff (sore left knee) and Luke Walton (strained right hamstring) are both listed as probable, and both will likely play. Rookies Devin Ebanks and Derrick Caracter have taken turns as the other inactive player (aside from the injured Bynum) in the last three games.
Denver
Point Guard: Chauncey Billups
Shooting Guard: Arron Afflalo
Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony
Power Forward: Shelden Williams
Center: Nene
Both Kenyon Martin and Chris Andersen have yet to play this season, and are out indefinitely as they recover from their respective knee surgeries.
The Lakers, at 41-31 all-time, are the only team that has a winning record against the Nuggets in the city of Denver. The Nuggets have won 50 straight regular season games at home in which they entered the 4th quarter with a lead.
For more Lakers news, analysis, and information, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.