Rematch!

The NLL world did not have to wait long for the much anticipated rematch of last seasons NLL finalists. And boy does it prove to be a tasty matchup.

Yes, week 2 marks the first time the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers meet in an NLL sanctioned game since the Los Angeles Lakers claimed the NLL title in a fiercely competitive 7 game series for the ages.

The series was as competitive as it was controversial, with one of the keys to the eventual Lakers victory being the surprising move of Andre Iguodala to point guard.

Plenty of discussion and a rule change later, these two teams will go to battle again, with the only certainty being that we won't be seeing Iggy at point guard again.

Looking back at last week's results, during NLL opening week, both defending conference champs got off to very different starts to the new season.

The Sixers started week one on a mission, and did not disappoint there fans with a 4-1 opening week. Seeing away the likes of Atlanta, Toronto and Dallas. The only loss coming to the Indiana Pacers.

The Lakers facing a tough schedule, were slow out of the gate, losing there first 3 games to Dallas, Toronto and San Antonio, before bouncing back with very good wins over Utah and New York.

So based on last week, you would have to give the slight edge in form to the Sixers.
 
MATCH-UPS:

Point Guard: Damien Lillard vs Darren Collison

Darren Collison resumes his role as the starting point guard in LA to begin the season, and provides the all important first line to the always stingy Lakers D. Collison possesses quick hands and even quicker speed which allows him to pursue and prevent opposing guards from attacking the paint. He has also been great at running the offense so far, currently leading the NLL in assists with 10 per game.
Damien Lillard is one of the most gifted scorers in the league at the point guard position, and can fill it up from beyond the arc, midrange and at the rim. Not always heavily relied upon in the stacked Philly lineup, Lillard is averaging 21 points per and has been finding shots this season, but so far only shooting at a moderate 45% from the field and 30% from three. I'll give this one to Lillard for now, as he has the runs on the board over multiple seasons.

Edge: Damien Lillard




Shooting Guard: Kevin Martin vs Gerald Green

Kevin Martin will be seeing plenty of action on the wings this season with the off-season departure of DeMarr Derozan. And he did a good job starting in week one, scoring 17 points at 44% and 35%. Martin always finds ways to score in unconventional ways and has a real knack for drawing fouls.
Gerald Green or the ultimate NLL glitch guy as some like to call him, is a tremendous athlete who uses all those athletic tools to give nightmares to opposition defenders. Green loves to shoot, and surprisingly is usually pretty efficient when he does. He currently averages 25 points per.
This one is interesting, with both guys usually inserted in an NLL lineup to score points first, with everything else coming a distant second. I'll give it to Gerald here who appears more likely to explode on offense on any given night.

Edge: Gerald Green




Small Forward: Kawhi Leonard vs Andre Iguodala

Kawhi Leonard is now playing for big money, certainly money that his potential suggests. But he still hasn't found his scoring niche with this team or in this league. What he has always done though is defend like a mad man and will again be using those giant hands to full effect.
Andre Iguodala is now back on a wing, and seemingly loving every minute of it so far. Clearly the controversy hasn't affected him in the slightest, currently applying his usual brand of dogged defense to a great offensive game, shooting 50% and averaging 22 points.
This one is a polar opposite to the shooting guard matchup, with both of these guys usually inserted in an NLL lineup to shutdown a dangerous wing. Both have been doing this so far, but Iggy has also been getting his on offense.

Edge: Andre Iguodala




Power Forward: LaMarcus Aldridge vs Mason Plumlee

Mason Plumlee has been thrust into a starting frontcourt role after an injury to Jordan Hill. The good thing is, this Lakers power forward role always seems to carry the same ideals. Defend and Rebound. Plumlee can do both of those things pretty well, so anything else they get from him is a bonus.
LaMarcus Aldridge is one of the best power forwards in the business, but like many of his teammates, sometimes suffers from lack of touches to really assert his influence on games. Aldridge has been rebounding and defending well, but needs to start calling his own name on offense a bit more for his star to really shine. Aldridge has the clear talent edge in this one.

Edge: LaMarcus Aldridge 




Center: Joakim Noah vs Tyson Chandler

Joakim Noah has regressed a little in most categories, and has had his name thrown around a lot at the trade table, but is still one of the more active, and talented big men in the league. He can certainly still rebound, defend and distribute the ball with the best of them. The only thing he really lacks is a hunger to score.
Tyson Chandler is an even better rebounder and defender, while also not afraid to score off those putback opportunities. Last seasons defensive player of the year has shown no early signs of championship ring fatigue. Chandler has the edge in this one, but Noah could always surprise.

Edge: Tyson Chandler




For those of you scoring at home, that’s 3-2 position battles in the Lakers favour.


Benches:

Both teams are blessed with pretty great benches, but with injuries to Jordan Hill and Manu Ginobili, while the Sixers enjoy a clean bill of health, the edge goes to the Philly bench lead by Mo Williams, Luis Scola, Jabari Parker and CJ2k. Nick Young, Jarrett Jack and co will still give them a good run though.