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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Sacramento Kings have left the door open for the Los Angeles Lakers. The Kings lost Friday’s game against the Boston Celtics, tying their record with the Lakers at 44-33. LeBron James & Co. now have a chance to overtake the Kings for the 8th seed with a win against the Cleveland Cavaliers tonight. However, with James and Anthony Davis listed as questionable, defeating the Cavs could prove to be a tough challenge.

LeBron has been dealing with a left ankle peroneal tendinopathy all season and might miss tonight’s game due to the lingering injury. AD, on the other hand, is dealing with a left knee hyperextension. Apart from them, the Lakers will be without the services of Jalen Hood-Schifino (lumbar disc surgery), Jarred Vanderbilt (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy), and Christian Wood (left knee surgery) against the Cavs.

The Lakers are currently 9th in the standings with a 44-33 record. If they win tonight and climb to the 8th seed, they will have a better chance at qualifying for the playoffs through the play-in tournament. But they might not be able to do it without LeBron and AD.

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The 20-time All-Star has not rested for 5 consecutive games, and the Lakers have come out victorious in 4 of those encounters. Even in his 21st season, LeBron has been the best player on the Lakers roster. He is averaging 25.4 points, 8.1 assists, and 7.3 rebounds. Against the Cavs, he has averaged 28.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.0 assists in 21 games.

As far as the Lakers’ performance this season is concerned, Anthony Davis has been the perfect co-star for LeBron. He is having the healthiest season of his Lakers tenure. He has already played in 72 games this season, the first time since 2018. AD is averaging 24.8 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks. Specifically against the Cavs, Davis has averaged 20.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 18 games.

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Per Cleveland’s injury report, Craig Porter’s availability is questionable due to illness. Apart from him, they’ll be without Isaac Okoro (toe), Ty Jerome (ankle), and Dean Wade (knee). Considering this and the form the Cavaliers are in, the Lakers could be in for a tough time at home when the game tips off at 3:30 PM ET.

The Lakers need LeBron James and Anthony Davis to defeat the Cavs

If LeBron and Davis miss tonight’s game, the Lakers could miss their opportunity to overtake the Sacramento Kings. The Cleveland Cavaliers have been in top form this season. They are currently seeded 3rd in the Eastern Conference with a 46-31 record. Moreover, they recently got Donovan Mitchell back in the lineup. Mitchell missed the majority of the season due to a knee injury but returned to action last week against the Philadelphia 76ers. He is likely to play against the Lakers tonight.

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The Lakers defeated the Cavs the last time these teams faced each other in November. But both LeBron and Davis played that night and dominated. The Lakers duo combined for 54 points to lead their team to a 121-115 victory. With their playoff dreams in jeopardy, the Lakers need LeBron and AD on the court tonight to help them defeat the Cavs. The Lakers have only five games left in their schedule before the play-in tournament starts. And the outcome of each game could prove significant in their final standings.

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