As the Los Angeles Lakers look to snap their two-game losing streak tonight, hosting the Houston Rockets at Staples Center, they will have to do so without starting center Andrew Bynum. Bynum had an MRI Tuesday morning which revealed a bone bruise in his left knee, according to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com. He will not play tonight, and is listed as day-to-day.
Bynum, who missed the first 24 games of the season recovering from surgery to his right knee, returned to the starting lineup on December 29 in New Orleans. The Lakers are 12-5 with Bynum starting at center this season. In 24 games, Bynum averaged 11.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.75 blocks per game this season. With Bynum out tonight, expect Lamar Odom to start at power forward, with Pau Gasol sliding over to center.
Here are tonight's probable starting lineups:
Houston (22-27)
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Point Guard: Kyle Lowry
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Shooting Guard: Kevin Martin
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Small Forward: Shane Battier
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Power Forward: Luis Scola
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Center: Chuck Hayes
Lakers (33-15)
- Point Guard: Derek Fisher
- Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant
- Small Forward: Ron Artest
- Power Forward: Lamar Odom
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Center: Pau Gasol
For more information on tonight's game, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.