USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the closing second of the Lakers 96-94 loss to the Miami Heat at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 20, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the closing second of the Lakers 96-94 loss to the Miami Heat at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
After losing their last three games, the Los Angeles Lakers will travel to Utah and face off against the Jazz. The matchup between the top teams in the West will take place on Wednesday night at 10:00 EST.
While the Lakers are on a losing streak right now, they are still one of the best teams in the league. As they are led by LeBron James, it’s only a matter of time before the team gets back in form.
As for Utah Jazz, they have surprised everyone this season with their performances. While most expected them to clinch a playoff berth by the end of the season, no one could have predicted their current form.
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Los Angeles Lakers injury updates and expected lineup
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 8, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (1) celebrate in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The biggest reason for the purple and gold’s recent poor form is the unavailability of Anthony Davis. Davis is out with an injury and will be sitting out the matchup against Utah as well. Along with AD, guard Dennis Schroder will remain out as well due to the COVID-19 protocols.
So the expected lineup for the Lakers vs the Jazz is Wesley Matthews (G), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (G), LeBron James (F), Kyle Kuzma (F), and Marc Gasol (C).
Utah Jazz injury updates and expected lineup
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USA Today via Reuters
Jan 26, 2021; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) slaps the hand of center Rudy Gobert (27) during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz wins 108-94. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
The terrific duo of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert are the reason behind Utah’s basking form. Moreover, veteran guard Mike Conley’s contributions have been the cherry on the top for the organization. The three players will be the key to their success moving forward in the season as well, especially if they want to make a deep playoff run.
As for their game vs LA, according to their injury report, only Udoka Azubuike is listed out. So the predicted lineup for the conference leaders includes Mike Conley (G), Donovan Mitchell (G), Royce O’Neale (F), Bojan Bogdanovic (F), and Rudy Gobert (C).
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Game prediction
Considering the fact that the two sides might face off in the Eastern Conference Finals this season, the game should be close. But the Jazz’s record form definitely gives them a slight edge over the Lakers.
