The Los Angeles Lakers recovered a little after losing crucial games against the Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks to beat the Orlando Magic in their last game. They now have a must-win game against the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, considering that the team is currently outside the play-in tournament spots.
The Phoenix Suns are without their big acquisition, Kevin Durant and the team has been on a bit of a skid recently. The Suns have lost 4 of their last 5 games, and the opponent they beat was the same as the Los Angeles Lakers in the Orlando Magic.
The Suns are 4th in the West currently, but a loss against the Lakers would allow the teams below them to pull dangerously close. Kevin Durant is unlikely to return till the end of the regular season, meaning the Suns cannot afford many more losses during a crucial run to end the season.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, every game is now a must-win. They are fighting against the Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Utah Jazz, and Minnesota Timberwolves and can get to a game within .500 with a win against Phoenix.
With this, here is a look at the injury reports from both camps, the expected starters, and the predictions.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injury Updates
The Los Angeles Lakers’ two big injuries remain. LeBron James isn’t close to a return yet, and Mo Bamba will be out for a while more. Anthony Davis is listed as day-to-day, but he should play in this massive clash.
The projected starters for the Lakers would be D’Angelo Russell (G), Malik Beasley (G), Troy Brown Jr. (F), Jarred Vanderbilt (F), and Anthony Davis (C).
Phoenix Suns Expected Lineups And Injury Updates
Kevin Durant is set to be evaluated further in three weeks on his injury and remains out for this one. Deandre Ayton was unavailable for the Suns in their last game, and he will be out against the Lakers as well, as per ESPN’s injury report.
Chris Paul (G), Devin Booker (G), Torrey Craig (F), Josh Okogie (F), and Bismack Biyombo (C) will be likely to take the floor as the starting five for Phoenix.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns Predictions
The Los Angeles Lakers will be playing at home and should have enough firepower to beat the Phoenix Suns without two of their stars. The Suns are in a slump, and the Lakers absolutely must beat injury-ravaged and out-of-form teams like Phoenix if they are to have any hope of making the playoffs.
Devin Booker is always a problem for any team to handle, but Chris Paul looks like a shell of himself, and Davis should dominate without Ayton around the rim. The Lakers also have a man of the moment, Austin Reaves, who scored 35 points against the Magic and could explode once more.
It all comes down to these final few games for the Lakers. They may not have a fully healthy LeBron James, but this roster, with their new moves, should have what it takes to make the playoffs. A win here will be massive to that end, and they should get it done on Wednesday night.
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