The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Charlotte Hornets tonight, with the Lakers on a two-game losing streak and the Hornets looking to build momentum after snapping a ten-game skid. The Hornets are 13th in the Eastern Conference at 8-27, while the Lakers are sixth in the West at 20-16. The game is crucial for both teams, but the big question is whether Anthony Davis will play. Let’s dive into the injury reports and depth charts ahead of this matchup.

The Lakers’ injury report is centered around Anthony Davis, who’s listed as day-to-day with left plantar fasciitis. This injury has kept him on and off the court this season. Along with Davis, Cam Reddish is also day-to-day with a back injury. While Reddish has played an important role as a backup forward, it’s Davis’ status that everyone is watching closely. On the other side, the Hornets have no reported injuries and will bring their full roster into the game tonight.

What to Expect from the Lakers and Hornets in Tonight’s Matchup

Both teams are coming off mixed performances but in an entirely opposite manner. The Lakers have struggled in their last few games with their most recent 118-97 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Davis did his part, scoring 21 points, but LeBron James and the rest of the team couldn’t quite make it happen. LeBron has been consistent this season, averaging 23.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, but without Davis, the Lakers will have a tough time.

Meanwhile, the Hornets had a rough season with a ten-game losing streak. However with their recent 115-104 win over the Phoenix Suns brings some hope for the team. LaMelo Ball was the star of the show, dropping 32 points in the victory. He’s been incredible this season, averaging 29.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 7.3 assists. But the Hornets still rank among the worst offensively in the league, averaging just 106.1 points per game, and they’ll need more than just Ball’s efforts to compete with the Lakers.

Speaking of the Lakers, their biggest issue lately has been their struggles with rebounding. They rank 27th in the league in total rebounds, while Charlotte excels in offensive boards, ranking second overall. The Hornets’ ability to dominate the glass could be a problem if Davis is sidelined, as the Lakers will need to rely on other players to fill that gap. Still, the Lakers have the advantage when it comes to scoring, with an offense that averages 111.8 points per game compared to Charlotte’s 106.1.

Depth Charts of the Hornets and the Lakers

Charlotte Hornets Depth Chart:

Los Angeles Lakers Depth Chart:

So, as we head into tonight’s game, all eyes are on Anthony Davis. The Lakers desperately need him to suit up if they want to turn their two-game losing streak around. If he’s unable to play, it’ll be a tough test for LeBron James and the rest of the team. Meanwhile, the Hornets, despite their struggles, will look to take advantage of the Lakers’ vulnerability, especially on the boards. Whether or not Davis plays could be the deciding factor in tonight’s matchup, and fans will be eagerly waiting to see if he’ll be in uniform for the game.