The Los Angeles Lakers will once again meet the Houston Rockets at the Crypto.com Arena tonight. The Lakers come back home after splitting their four-game road trip. Therefore, breaking their two-game skid will be of utmost priority entering tonight’s contest. With Houston losing all seven games away from home this season, it might lead one to believe a win tonight will be easy. However, the new young core of the Rockets might pose a threat to the Lakers squad tonight. In their last meeting, the Lakers got away with just one point. Therefore, they’ll be coming in all guns blazing to snap their seven-game road-loss skid.

The Lakers and Rockets have split two games this season. Therefore, the third meeting holds significant weight. As both teams gear up to vie for a crucial win, let’s take a look at their projected lineups.

Projected starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers will enter tonight’s contest with a few pleasant changes to the injury report. After fielding one of the most injury-ridden rosters in their recent 133-110 blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, there is finally some positive news for the Lakers faithful. According to Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet, Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura are no longer part of the injury report. Cam Reddish, who missed some time due to an adductor injury, has also been upgraded to a game-time decision. However, LeBron James is listed as ‘questionable’ due to a left calf contusion ahead of tonight’s matchup. Therefore, if James decides to suit up tonight, we will see a familiar lineup, including D’Angelo Russell, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.

The only player who is ruled out of tonight’s contest is Gabe Vincent, as he is tending to a left knee effusion. Interestingly, this is the healthiest the Lakers have been this season. Tonight’s game might also mark Jarred Vanderbilt’s season debut after he missed several weeks due to left heel bursitis. Hachimura, who missed last week due to a nasal fracture, is also expected to make a comeback.

Projected starting lineup for the Houston Rockets

Things are looking brighter in Houston as well. The Rockets have been inconsistent with their performance this season. However, injuries to key players like Fred VanVleet and Jae’Sean Tate have not helped their case either. But there have been encouraging signs on the injury front. Fred VanVleet (thumb) and Jae’Sean Tate (knee) are no longer on the team’s latest injury report and are expected to participate tomorrow.

Houston’s projected starting lineup might look like – Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.

Read More: Clippers Injury Update: Is James Harden Playing Tonight vs Warriors?

What are your predictions for tonight’s tilt? Will Houston come out on top to break their seven-game road-loss skid? Let us know in the comments!

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