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Is JJ Redick's decision to bench D'Angelo Russell the turning point for the Lakers' season?

After a disappointing 2-3 run in the 5-game road stretch, the LA Lakers finally return to their home. During this stretch, LeBron James & Co. went through a lot, from injury scares to lineup changes. Nevertheless, they have ended it on a positive note and look to build on it. On the other hand, the Raptors have got it all wrong, heading to their 11th game of the season with a 2-8 record. On top of that, they also have massive injury blows. Let’s take a look at both teams’ injury reports, depth charts, and more.

The Purple & Gold who were so sure of their starting lineup even before the season, brought in a massive change. JJ Redick publicly expressed his displeasure with D’Angelo Russell‘s performance and eventually sent him to the bench, replacing Cam Reddish. The team played with his change against the injury-riddled Sixers and secured a 116-106 comfortable win. So, the change isn’t a real success until they face a 100% healthy roster.

On the other hand, the team also announced a concerning injury update regarding Anthony Davis who has been suffering from left-planar fasciitis, a heel injury that he has to deal with for the days to come. And, he can lace up for the games depending upon his pain tolerance level. So, the team has listed him in Day-to-Day, apart from him, Jaxson Hayes is also listed as probable with a knee injury. Other than that, Jared Vanderbilt and Christian Wood have been on the injury report for quite some time.

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Similarly, the Raptors have a lengthy injury report, including their trusted star, Scottie Barnes, who sustained an orbital fracture. Moreover, the team also listed out the following players: Garrett Temple, Ja’Kobe WALTER, Bruce Brown, and Kelly Olynyk. So, the 2019 NBA Champion side’s Sunday clash is dependent on RJ Barrett and Grady Dick.

Lakers vs Raptors: Starting line up and depth chart

Ahead of the last game against the Sixers, Insider Shams Charania reported Anthony Davis’ injury heel condition. As mentioned earlier, the player’s participation depends on their pain tolerance level, and guess what, AD laced up for the game. So, there are a lot of chances to witness Brow in action despite his Probable status. So, take a look at the adjusted starting lineup and depth chart.

LA Lakers

POSITIONSTARTING LINEUP2nd UNIT3rd UNIT
PGAustin ReavesD’Angelo RussellGabe Vincent
SGCam ReddishMax Christie
SFRui HachimuraDalton Knecht
PFLeBron James
CAnthony Davis (p)Jaxson Hayes (p)

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What’s your perspective on:

Is JJ Redick's decision to bench D'Angelo Russell the turning point for the Lakers' season?

Have an interesting take?

(p) – probables

On the other hand, the Toronto Raptors will be having a back-to-back game, as they faced the LA Clippers last night. Importantly, the Lakers can’t take the Raptors lightly even though they beat them at their home. Last night, the Clippers edged past an embarrassing situation. If not for a series of clutch free throws, they wouldn’t have registered a close 103-105 win.

Toronto Raptors

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POSITIONSTARTING LINEUP2nd UNIT3rd UNIT
PGImmanuel QuickleyDavion MitchellJamal Shead
SGGradey Dick
SFOchai AgbajiJamison Battle
PFRJ BarrettChris Boucher
CJakob PoeltlJonathan MogboBruno Fernando

Will the Raptors stun the Lakers at home? Or Will JJ Redick work his magic with the new starting lineup? Let us know in the comments below.

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