5 Bold Predictions For Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets

4. Brandon Ingram Struggles In Limited Minutes

As we’ve seen this preseason, the Lakers are content with bringing along Brandon Ingram slowly. He’s behind Luol Deng on the depth chart and could lose minutes to Nick Young after Young showed well in the last few weeks.

When he was actually on the court during the preseason, Ingram struggled mightily. Although he flashed the potential that made him the No. 2 overall pick, it was clear he has a lot of growing to do. Unfortunately, that growth isn’t going to occur on Wednesday night.

That’s why, when he hits the floor against the Rockets, his struggles will carry over into the regular season.

Especially against a Houston team that sports some solid defenders at small forward, Ingram will face stiff competition. That likely means another tough outing for the rookie. More missed shots, more subpar defense and more growing pains for one of the NBA’s top young talents.

There are going to be countless bright moments for Ingram during the 2016-17 campaign. Don’t expect to see any of them against Houston.