“We’ve gotta make sure we ride our guy”. Right from the preseason, Lakers head coach JJ Redick had highlighted what he expects from Anthony Davis. For Redick, the 31-year-old Center/Power Forward was an important part of his offensive strategy for the ongoing NBA season. Due to carrying a reputation of being an injury-prone player, questions were raised on whether Davis would remain consistent with his appearances. Fortunately, he has been present in 23 of his team’s 24 games till this point. Even as he suffers from a major ailment, Davis’s current injury status will most likely bring a smile to the faces of the majority of the Lakers fans.

A few hours ago, Trevor Lane took to X to highlight the Lakers’ Injury Report. According to it, Anthony Davis continues to suffer from his left plantar fasciitis ailment. Despite this, he has recovered enough for his availability status to be ‘Probable’ for the upcoming game. However, we cannot say the same about Austin Reaves. Having already missed the last 5 games, the shooting guard is listed as ‘Questionable’, placing his availability at lower odds than Davis’s. The Center’s presence would certainly help, especially since LeBron James and Jalen-Hood Schifino continue to be ‘OUT’. Meanwhile, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jaxson Hayes, and Christian Wood continue their tradition of being ‘OUT’. While Hayes hasn’t played a single game in December, Vanderbilt and Wood haven’t played any game in the ongoing season itself!

Since the 2024 preseason, Anthony Davis has sustained several ailments. These, in turn, have affected his Hip, Ankle, Plantar, Foot, etc. The player’s left plantar fasciitis wasn’t serious enough to keep him out of the matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers. It hasn’t worsened off enough to keep him away from the upcoming matchup too.

Meanwhile, Austin Reaves continues to recover from his left pelvic contusion. He has started coming back to practice sessions to get back into the groove of things. In a recent update, JJ Redick discussed the practice sessions by stating, “I wouldn’t call Austin a full participant. One thing he sat out that we suggested and Leroy agreed with us was probably not good for him just due to the nature of the drill… But he was a full participant in all of the 5-on-5 and live stuff and all the breakdown drills.” Therefore, Reaves’ return to the NBA court is imminent. However, his status highlights that it may not be when the Lakers take on Anthony Edwards and co.

Speaking of the Minnesota Timberwolves, the injury status of their players puts the Lakers to shame. After all, their injury report only has one player listed on it! Joe Ingles last played in a game against the Phoenix Suns, back in mid-November. Now, he is set to miss his 10 consecutive game because of a left soleus strain. Having already made adjustments to cover for him in 9 games, the player’s absence may not affect the Timberwolves that much. Therefore, in light of the above-mentioned updates, only the Lakers have to make adjustments to their starting lineup.

What will the starting lineup and depth chart for the Lakers-Timberwolves clash look like?

Being ‘probable’ provides a hopeful chance for Anthony Davis’s presence. However, in the off-chance that the duo is not there, the Lakers go to Plan B. If AD is out, Jaxson Hayes and Christian Koloko may see their on-court minutes increase. If not, then Davis will need to serve as the team’s lead offensive scorer, with LeBron James sidelined due to his foot injury. Furthermore, in Austin Reaves’ absence, the team can hand down an increased role to Gabe Vincent and D’Angelo Russell.

Bearing the updates in mind, the starting lineup for the Los Angeles Lakers will look something like this:

Given the updates for the Minnesota Timberwolves, their starting lineup will look something like this:

The Los Angeles Lakers or the Minnesota Timberwolves? Who will you be rooting for during the upcoming matchup? Let us know in the comments section below.