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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

The Lakers finally took a W home, and the Cavaliers became their stepping stone. They put an end to their losing spree after the exit of LeBron James, and it looked like they were on a mission. On the other hand, Orlando Magic had a memorable week where they won two big games but also made headlines for a poor trade deadline show.

The Magic were on a nine-game losing streak when they defeated the giants in Nets and Suns in a difference of five days. But the two game-winners from those games, Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic, are both traded, and they’re no longer the same team. But the Lakers, with their same shorthanded side, are back in the game.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Orlando Magic: Injury updates & lineups prediction

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USA Today via Reuters

The Lakers have the same injury report continuing this week. They have Anthony Davis (calf) who will stay out for a couple of weeks. Then, they have LeBron James (high-ankle sprain) who might come back only in May. Lastly, the men in golden and purple have Jared Dudley (Knee) on their injury list. 

Probable lineup – Kyle Kuzma (SF), Markieff Morris (PF), Marc Gasol (C), Dennis Schroder (PG), and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG)

The Magic shooting guard Terrence Ross is out because of troubles with his knee. Then, the updates (not injury-related) on small forward Otto Porter Jr and center Wendell Carter Jr are still a day-to-day decision.

Probable lineup – Chuma Okeke (PF), James Ennis III (SF), Khem Birch (C), Dwayne Bacon (SG), and Chasson Randle (PG)

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Who wins?

USA Today via Reuters

The Magic have pushed a reset button, and they have decided to give up on the current season to build the team of the future. As a result, they traded star players Nikola Vucevic, Evan Fournier, and Aaron Gordon for draft picks and younger faces.

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The new rookie in the team, guard RJ Hampton (from Nuggets) might or might not play against the Lakers. Also, the Magic starting five without its pillars will look like a filler roster and for them to stand tall against the Lakers would be an uphill task.

The Lakers’ supporting cast, after taking enough criticism, is ready to make a statement. They would like to touch the 30-win mark with this game. For the Lakers, Montrezl Harrell has scored a double-double in the last four of the five games.

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That they pulled the Lakers up against the Cavs even after trailing by 7 points until halftime says that they have the hunger to make the statement.

Dennis Schroder and Talen Horton-Tucker can be trustworthy offensive pieces, and it appears that they can win this one. At least, that is what we predict. What do you think? Help us know in the comments.