NBA Finals: Lakers vs Miami Heat Game 3 Injury Updates and Prediction

The NBA Finals 2020 so far have been pleasing to some but thrilling to none. While the Lakers fans rejoiced, the one-sided nature of the Finals have left a majority of viewers craving for a Miami Heat fightback. The fans deserve to see a rigorous locking of horns when it comes to two top teams battling against one another.

The Miami Heat, however, deserve some applause for putting on a brave show in Game 2, despite missing two of their key players. The final score of 114-124 was not bad, given the circumstances. This breathed some life in the Heat fans who believe Game 3 is for them to win.

Lakers vs Miami Heat: Injury Updates and line-up predictions

The news for the Miami Heat is a mix of good and bad. Power Forward Chris Silva (sore pelvis) is still listed as OUT. But more importantly, Goran Dragic and Bam Adebayo are both listed as doubtful for Game 3. Goran’s torn plantar fascia can take more time to heal, and hence his appearance in Sunday’s game is highly improbable.

However, Bam Adebayo has himself cleared himself of the injury and claimed that he is ready to show up. So, one can expect that the star player will be back.

Possible starting line-up for the Heat: Jimmy Butler (SF), Jay Crowder (PF), Bam Adebayo (C), Tyler Herro (SG), Duncan Robinson (PG).

For the Lakers, everything seems to fall perfectly in place as they have no one listed as injured as of now. Both Bron & AD reported sore groins initially in the post-season, but they’re a cent percent fit now.

Possible starting line-up for the Lakers: LeBron James (SF), Anthony Davis (PF), Dwight Howard (C), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG), Danny Green (PG).

So, who wins Game 3?

Needless to say, the Lakers are a clear favorite. They have Anthony Davis who scored 15/20 field goals and scored a double-double in Game 2. Moreover; he is averaging 29.3 points, 9.6 rebs, 3.5 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks in the Playoffs. There is not one area of the court where he has lagged. He has dominated the paint and Miami Heat have failed to guard him.

Meanwhile, LeBron James is proving to be too big and too quick for the Heat to defend him. Rajon Rondo, with his assists and three-pointers, is making his contribution felt. Further, Dwight Howard and KCP are proving to be efficient in the initial minutes.

For the Heat, Bam Adebayo can up their defense and also help with the playmaking, complementing Jimmy Butler. Kelly Olynyk came off the bench and played amazingly in Game 2. But the team struggled from the perimeter and proved to lack the defensive ability without Goran Dragic. If they’re to win, they need to guard the Lakers duo with precision and add some aggression to their offense.

Our prediction: The Miami Heat will very certainly pose some trouble to the Lakers, but eventually, the Lakers will again come on top. We predict a Lakers 119-113 win.