Rui Hachimura has tallied 0.8 assists per game since the start of last season, putting him in the company of the worst players in the league by this metric: 19th percentile.The Lakers are expected to suffer a reduction in opportunities in this contest from squaring off against the least up-tempo pace home offense in the NBA this year (the Rockets).The Lakers have been the 9th-worst offensive rebounding offense in the league on their home court since the start of last season (offensive rebounds maintain possession, and a lack of them can therefore eliminate further opportunities for scoring and assists).Rui Hachimura will not have the benefit of the home court advantage in this contest. Playing without the home court advantage usually decreases player performance for all stats.
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