It’s a pacific division showdown, with the Los Angeles Lakers taking on the Golden State Warriors at the Crypto.com Arena on Thursday. The new-look Lakers unit will be up against a Stephen Curry-less Dubs outfit, giving them a slight edge.
The Purple and Gold come off a convincing 120-102 win against the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Warriors lost to the LA Clippers before heading into the All-Star break. For the hosts, it’s all about notching up a string of wins to make the play-in before they can even consider the next step: making the postseason.
The revamped Lakers team does come with questions. While the front office addressed the shooting woes by adding D’Angelo Russell and Malik Beasley, the questions around their consistency, coupled with Anthony Davis’ form and LeBron James’s availability, still lingers.
At the time of writing, they are yet to break into the Top 10. Despite the additions, they are still placed 13th in the West with a 27-32 record, and the skirmish against the Warriors will set the tone for their final regular season stretch.
On that note, here’s a look at the expected starters, the updated injury report, and the predictions ahead of the marquee clash.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
Per ESPN, The Lakers have listed James and Davis as day-to-day. The latter’s stress fracture recovery placed him as probable, while the veteran is a cinch to start.
Darvin Ham might have just found the perfect lineup against the Pelicans, and it’s likely that he will go with the same starting five again. D’Angelo Russell (G), Malik Beasley (G), Jared Vanderbilt (F), LeBron James (F), and Anthony Davis (C).
Golden State Warriors Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Warriors will be without Curry, and Andrew Wiggins has been listed as out due to personal reasons. The good news is over the horizon, as the side indicated that he was progressing well and would be re-evaluated in a week’s time.
The side will also be without the services of Andre Iguodala (hip), Ryan Rollins (foot), and Gary Payton II (abductor).
It might be the same lineup the Warriors fielded in their loss to the Clippers. Jordan Poole (G), Klay Thompson (G), Donte DiVincenzo (F), Draymond Green (F), and Kevon Looney (C) may be the starters.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Predictions
Even without Curry, Poole and Thompson have shown that they can be tough to stop once they get hot, and that would mean that the Lakers will have to play some top-notch defense. Vanderbilt and Davis will be crucial in bagging those rebounds and being the defensive presence that’s been erratic for the team thus far.
The Lakers have some solid upgrades in Russell and Beasley — both of whom can shoot well from beyond the arc, and will be counting on the duo to do some damage against Golden State. The visitors will rely on Green and Looney to tie up LA’s better-looking offense.
The Purple and Gold are favorites heading into this contest, and a win would put them on the same number of wins as the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Portland Trail Blazers. A win would be the perfect start to the final 23 games they have to bag a postseason berth.
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