The Los Angeles Lakers will be without the services of backup point guard Steve Blake tonight, as they battle the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Blake is out with a stomach virus, per Kevin Ding of the Orange County Register. Blake has been an effective member of the second unit so far this season, especially shooting from the outside. Blake has made 15 of 30 three-pointers this season.
With Blake out, look for Sasha Vujacic to play more minutes tonight. Vujacic has played sparingly this season, appearing in only four games and has played just 17 total minutes. Blake has averaged 18.2 minutes per game so far this season.
More importantly, more minutes for Vujacic means potentially playing against old friend and fellow Slovenian Goran Dragic of the Suns. The two tangled in Game 6 of last year's Western Conference Finals:
"I heard somebody talking in my language and talking something about mothers and family,'' Vujacic told NBA Fanhouse after the incident. "That's only to be expected from a low human being to do something like that." Get your popcorn ready for tonight's game!
For more Lakers news, analysis, and information, be sure to read the SB Nation blog Silver Screen and Roll.