The Los Angeles Lakers take on the New York Knicks in what is a crucial game for their season. The Lakers have been really poor and have not looked like the champions they were last year. Injuries to LeBron James and Anthony Davis across the season hampered their results, and currently, the Lakers will have to go through the play-in tournament to reach the playoffs. AD has returned and is picking up form, whereas James is yet to do the same.
For the New York Knicks, they are trying to close out their best season in years in convincing fashion. Coach Tom Thibodeau has transformed this Knicks team into the best defensive side in the league. Julius Randle has been a star for them, and Derrick Rose has been providing great scoring off the bench. The Knicks are currently the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference and will be confident heading into the game.
With that in mind, look at the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the New York Knicks.
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Los Angeles Lakers vs New York Knicks – Predictions
The Lakers got an impressive win over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night. Anthony Davis is starting to regain his form from last season, scoring 30+ points in consecutive games.
The Knicks were able to defeat the LA Clippers, who are one of the title contenders this season. So both sides will have confidence coming into the game. However, the Knicks are elite on the defensive end whereas the Lakers struggle offensively right now.
READ MORE: ‘Most Skilled Big’: Former NBA Champion Compares Lakers’ Anthony Davis to Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic
Prediction: The Knicks are able to clamp down the Lakers’ offense to get the W.
Los Angeles Lakers – Team News
The Lakers have struggled this season on the injury front. LeBron James is currently listed as out for the game on Tuesday, but his status is up in the air after he completed a full practice session last night. Dennis Schroder is unavailable due to COVID-19 protocols. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Anthony Davis are listed as probable for the game.
READ MORE: REVEALED: When Will Laker’s LeBron James Return? NBA Insider Shams Charania Has an Answer
Predicted Lineup: LeBron James, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Anthony Davis, Andre Drummond
New York Knicks – Team News
The Knicks also have their own injury concerns heading into the game. Rookie Immanuel Quickley and Alec Burks are listed as doubtful and questionable for tonight’s game. Mitchell Robinson remains out thanks to a season-ending injury. However, the rest of the team is fully fit and is expected to field a strong unit.
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Predicted Lineup: Elfrid Payton, RJ Barrett, Reggie Bullock, Julius Randle, Nerlens Noel
Who will win between the Knicks and the Lakers?
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