The defending champions Los Angeles Lakers face off against a Houston Rockets side who have been ravaged by multiple injuries, tonight at 9:00 AM EST.
Despite missing superstars Anthony Davis and LeBron James from their lineup, the Lakers pulled off a close victory against the depleted Houston Rockets side 124-122. Sophomore Talen Horton-Tucker, who hit the game winner against the Knicks, continued his fantastic form with a great double double of 23 points and 10 assists against the Rockets.
With their two remaining games, stakes are pretty high for the Lakers. They will hope to win their remaining games, and hope that the Blazers lose their last game and possibly drop to the seventh seed.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Indiana Pacers were outplayed in their most recent game against the Bucks. Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo put on a show against the Pacers as he scored 40 points with 15 rebounds in a 142-133 loss for the Pacers. Indiana are now tied with Charlotte with an overall record of 33 wins and 37 losses and if they can pull off an upset in their next game, the Pacers might leapfrog the Hornets for the eighth spot in the East.
Predictions
The Lakers are finally getting back at full health and might see the return of three of their starters in Dennis Schroder, LeBron James and Anthony Davis back into the lineup. Given the form their role players are in and the probable return of LBJ and AD, the Lakers surely have an edge over the Pacers in this match-up.
Los Angeles Lakers: Injury updates and lineup prediction
The Lakers might miss multiple players through injuries. Dennis Schroder is questionable as he is adhering to the league’s health and safety protocols, while veteran Jared Dudley is sidelined indefinitely with a knee problem.
Guard Alex Caruso is also questionable as he recovers from a foot injury, while forward Anthony Davis is questionable. Even LeBron James and Alfonso McKinnie are questionable against the Pacers. Marc Gasol and Kyle Kuzma are most likely to feature against the Pacers.
The Lakers will hope that they can win their remaining games and keep up the pressure against Blazers.
Probable Lineups
Dennis Schroder (G)
Kentavious Caldwell Pope (G)
Kyle Kuzma (F)
LeBron James (F)
Andre Drummond (C)
Indiana Pacers injury updates and lineup prediction
The Pacers have some major injury concerns ahead of their game against the Lakers. TJ Warren and Aaron Holiday are sidelined against the champions. Center Myles Turner is out with a toe injury.
Guards Jeremy Lamb, Malcolm Brogdon, and Edmond Sumner are sidelined while superstars Caris LeVert and Domantas Sabonis are questionable against the Lakers.
The Pacers are in the play-in tournament and are tied with the Hornets with a 33-37 record. Given the injury woes Hornets have, if the Pacers win their remaining games, they can take the eighth seed.
Probable Lineup
T.J. McConnell (G)
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Caris LeVert (G)
Justin Holiday (F)
Oshae Brisset (F)
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Domantas Sabonis (C)
Who will win between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Indiana Pacers? Let us know in the comments below.