Kobe vs Velca

Kobe is 2-3 in its last five home games and has lost two straight. It falls behind early, then outscores opponents in the third and fourth quarters. A slow start leaves the late push to do the work.

Velca is 2-3 in its last five road games. It trails in the first quarter, rallies in the second, then struggles again in the third. The middle stretch tests its ability to sustain that response.

Velca leads the meetings 1-0 and won the latest 85-69, a 16-point margin. That result complicates the idea that Kobe's late-quarter edge alone can turn the game.