It will be the turn of the Brooklyn Nets to test the mettle of the retooled Los Angeles Lakers on Monday, January 30 when the two teams collide at the Barclays Center.
Both ballclubs are coming off contrasting game assignments.
Los Angeles lost steam and bowed to the Boston Celtics, 121-125, while Brooklyn is coming off a 122-115 victory over the New York Knicks.
It was a sorry loss for the Lakers, especially the part in regulation, where LeBron James appeared to have been fouled by Jayson Tatum.
It was later admitted by referee crew chief Eric Lewis that he and his team made a mistake, according to a report by ESPN's Dave McMenamin.
"The best player on Earth can't get a call. It's amazing," Lakers coach Darvin Ham said. "As much as you try not to put it on the officiating, it's becoming increasingly difficult."
James finished with 41 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in that loss. Anthony Davis, coming off the bench, added 16 markers and 10 boards.
The Lakers are fifth in the league in most team points scored with an average of 117.1 per contest. They also own an offensive rating of 113.2.
On defense, Los Angeles is giving up 118.1 points per match. Their defensive rating stands at 113.9.
In the other corner, the Nets are looking for their second-straight win after defeating the New York Knicks, 122-115.
With Kevin Durant still indisposed, Kyrie Irving led the way with 32 points, nine assists and six rebounds.
Iriving had helo from Joe Harris who finished with 16 points. Seth Curry and Royce O'Neale chipped in 14 points apiece.
"That's why it's so great to have the basketball in his hands," Nets coach Jacque Vaughn stated when asked about Irving. "He can attack by himself, he can draw and kick and the defense has to react."
The Nets are scoring 114.4 points per outing and also have an offensive rating of 115.6.
Brooklyn is surrendering 111.7 points per contest with a defensive rating of 112.5.
The Nets are -8.5 favorites to topple the Lakers, who are at +8.5.
Meanwhile, the moneyline is -214 for Brooklyn and +313 for Los Angeles.
The game can be watched via the NBA TV at 7:30 PM ET with live streaming available via the NBA League Pass.
