NBA Finals: Lakers vs Miami Heat Game 4 Injury Updates and Prediction

LeBron James looked understandably dejected after the Lakers’ Game 3 loss against the Miami Heat. On the other hand, the Miami Heat bench was on cloud nine.

The series is now 2-1 with the Lakers still leading it. The Miami Heat got bullied in the first two games, but they turned the tides in the third. They proved that they’re not satisfied by only qualifying for the NBA Finals. They’re here to win, and that desperation worked for them in Game 3.

Lakers vs Miami Heat: Injury updates and line-up

For the Lakers, the slate is clean as far as the injuries are concerned. No one on their roster is injured, and that is a relief for the entire camp. Although their starting five struggled in Game 3, they’re least likely to change the combination at this juncture. The possible line-up for the Lakers will be LeBron James (SF), Anthony Davis (PF), Dwight Howard (C), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG), Danny Green (PG).

For the Heat, the situation is tricky. That fact that point guard Gabe Vincent is listed out will have a zero impact on them. But power forward Bam Adebayo (neck) is listed as questionable, and point guard Goran Dragic (foot) is listed doubtful for the play. Bam has had multiple upper-body injuries all through the post-season, and hence his recovery is under question. However, he recently said in a conference call, “It’s up to the coaches — well, not the coaching staff, but the medical staff. I’m trying to get back as quickly as possible, but they’re just trying to make sure I’m safe and I’m ready to play. So it’s really day-to-day, and when they say I’m ready to play, I’ll be out there. But yeah, it sucks sitting on the sidelines.”

The Miami starting five might be Jimmy Butler (SF), Jay Crowder (PF), Meyers Leonard (C), Tyler Herro (SG), Duncan Robinson (PG).

So who wins Game 4 from here?

The Heat will have to carry a big heart if they’re to win the next game, let alone the series. The Lakers have earlier lost games in the playoffs, but never did they allow a team to match their level in any series this year. It is highly optimistic to hope that Jimmy Butler will once again score 30+ points triple-double.

The Heat organization has also done a tremendous job shaping Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson this season, but it will be a tough outing. Kelly Olynyk has shown some fervor in scoring from behind the arc. But the side still needs to replicate their strong defense from Game 3 in the next game.

The Lakers will come back hungrier and will want to seal the series with two more wins. Anthony Davis is bound to deliver, and the way Lakers’ bench played in the last game must’ve boosted their confidence. They are the bigger side and they’ll have to come back to their basic defensive solutions. The prediction is that the Lakers will take this game 114-110 against the Heat.