Preview: Lakers at Golden State Warriors

After opening the season with a stunning opening-night upset of the Clippers on Tuesday night, the Lakers travel to Oakland to play the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

The Lakers’ bench dominated the Clippers in the fourth quarter, allowing the Lakers starters to play light minutes.

Steve Nash may sit out against the Warriors, in a move to avoid playing on back-to-back nights. If so, Jodie Meeks may slide into the starting role with Steve Blake moving from shooting guard to point.

The Warriors will be without forward Harrison Barnes (foot).

Key matchup

Andrew Bogut is one of the better defensive centers in the league.

Health has been an issue in recent years, but Bogut is in good condition heading into the season.

The Lakers typically rely on Pau Gasol as the team’s primary inside scorer (although Gasol sat out the fourth quarter when the Lakers’ bench exploded against the Clippers on Tuesday).

If Bogut can help shut down or slow Gasol, the Warriors will have the advantage.

Shawne Williams started for the Lakers on Tuesday with Gasol at center. Presumably that doesn’t change with Chris Kaman coming off the bench.

If Gasol is matched up against David Lee, both teams might have trouble defensively at power forward.

X-factor

Xavier Henry was the scoring punch but it was Jordan Farmar at the point who really changed the pace of the game against the Clippers.

Wesley Johnson struggled with his shot but defended Blake Griffin well, despite a size and weight advantage.

Jordan Hill was a force defensively and on the glass while Jodie Meeks added another shooter.

If the Lakers bench can play at a high level this season, the team may be more competitive than expected.

For the Warriors, Klay Thompson and Steph Curry are big-time scorers but newcomer Andre Iguodala is a tremendous complementary player.

Iguodala is an explosive athlete and defender. He’s also a strong play-maker an occasional scorer.

Outlook

The Warriors have tremendous firepower and are solid defensively.

The Lakers need to prove that Tuesday night was not a fluke.

Golden State has a tremendous fan base. Getting the victory on the road on the second night of a back-to-back, in front of the Warriors’ crowd, will be a difficult task for the Lakers.

Any win without Kobe Bryant, who is recovering from Achilles surgery, is a boon for the Lakers.

Two in a row appears unlikely -- albeit it a little bit less unlikely after Tuesday night’s impressive performance.

ALSO:

Shannon Brown, traded from Suns, is waived by Wizards

Shawne Williams says he’s expecting to start against Clippers

Lowered expectations: Lakers may finish above .500, barely

Email Eric Pincus at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @EricPincus.