“I feel like it was good news that there wasn’t anything structural or any muscle injury,” said JJ Redick when giving an update on Austin Reaves’ condition a few days ago. After the Lakers star headed to the locker room during the 1 quarter of the recent Lakers-Clippers game, several fans had begun expecting the worst. Fortunately, an MRI scan revealed that despite the player sustaining a right calf injury, he was still on a ‘Day-To-Day’ basis.

While he has not been declared ‘OUT’ of the season, Reaves has missed the last 2 team games. The Lakers managed to win over the Clippers and the Pelicans, but the Knicks squad may provide a tougher challenge. Therefore, having all the starters for the game is a must. Fortunately, the latest update brings good news for the Lakers, with just hours remaining until the next showdown at the Crypto.com Arena.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin recently highlighted the Lakers’ Injury Report for the upcoming game. According to it, Austin Reaves is now listed as ‘Probable’. This all but guarantees his availability for the matchup against the Knicks. To add a cherry on top of the whipped cream waffle, even Luka Doncic and LeBron James are listed as ‘Probable’. Unfortunately, not everything is good news, as Jordan Goodwin is ‘Questionable’ as he recovers from his right ankle sprain. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, and Markieff Morris have been declared ‘OUT’.

Austin Reaves’s injury was reportedly not deemed serious. Despite this, JJ Redick and the Lakers squad would not have wanted to take additional risks. After all, losing a key starter with just a few months remaining until the playoffs would not do the team any favors. Better lose now than later. Fortunately, the Lakers held their own even without Austin Reaves, winning against the Clippers again by a 108-102 score, and against the New Orleans Pelicans by a 136-115 score.

Austin Reaves had been relatively healthy during the ongoing season. The only other serious injury he had sustained was a pelvic issue at the season’s early stage, during a matchup played against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Reaves missed five games due to that injury. Now, his current injury will not keep him out any longer unless it aggravates.

Similarly to Austin Reaves, Jordan Goodwin has missed the last 2 games. The only difference is that Goodwin suffers from a sprained right ankle. Furthermore, his availability for the upcoming game is still in doubt. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura will miss his 4 consecutive game as he recovers from his left patellar tendinopathy. Maxi Kleber is recovering from his right foot surgery and won’t be reevaluated for another month. Markieff Morris will miss his 9 consecutive game as the issue with his illness has still not subsided.

As for the New York Knicks, their situation isn’t as bad as the Lakers. While they have 4 stars listed on the Injury Report, 3 of them hold a ‘Day-To-Day’ status. Precious Achiuwa is ‘Questionable’ as he recovers from a left hamstring tightness. Mitchell Robinson is ‘Questionable’ due to an ankle ailment. OG Anunoby’s left thumb sprain is also why he holds the same status as his other two teammates. Meanwhile, Ariel Hukporti’s left knee injury will keep him ‘OUT’ for another couple of games.

In light of these updates, both teams will have to make adjustments to their starting lineup.

What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Lakers-Knicks game look like?

The starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers will look something like this:

Meanwhile, the starting lineup for the New York Knicks will look something like this:

The Los Angeles Lakers or the New York Knicks? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming game? Let us know in the comments.