The Los Angeles Lakers look to finish their grueling road trip with a win against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.
It’s been a mixed trip for Los Angeles as they notched up wins against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Washington Wizards but ended up with a mini-skid after losses to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors, and the Philadelphia 76ers.
They head to Detroit as favorites, but the Pistons, despite being bottom-ranked in the East and short of their big names, can pull off an upset — something that LeBron James spoke of during the postgame press conference after their loss to the Sixers.
Anthony Davis has been the man for the Lakers, and after dropping three games, the center will be in focus again. He notched up 38 points the last time the two teams squared off at home, and a repeat with James this time will just be what the team needs to end their six-game stretch.
Meanwhile, Detroit will count on Bojan Bogdanovic and Jaden Ivery to do the bulk of the damage. A win against playoff contenders will give the rebuilding side a massive confidence boost. The clash also serves as a preparation for the Lakers, who will face the Boston Celtics at home next.
On that note, here’s a look at the potential starters, the injury report, and the predictions ahead of the Sunday skirmish.
Detroit Pistons Expected Lineups And Injury Updates
The Pistons will be without the services of Cade Cunningham (shin) and Isiah Livers (shoulder). The latter missed out in their previous clash against the Memphis Grizzlies as well. Cunningham has played just 12 games for the side this season and is averaging 19.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists.
Expect the Pistons to go with the same starters they did against Memphis. Kilian Hayes (G), Jaden Ivey (G), Isiah Stewart (F), Bojan Bogdanovic (F), and Jalen Duren (C) will likely be the starting five.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injury Updates
The Los Angeles Lakers will be without Juan Toscano-Anderson (ankle) and Wenyen Gabriel (shoulder). ESPN’s injury report lists Anthony Davis (back) and LeBron James as probable, but the duo will most likely take the floor for Los Angeles.
Like the Pistons, the Lakers will pretty much field the same starters who took the hardwood against the Sixers. Patrick Beverley (G), Dennis Schroder (G), Lonnie Walker IV (F), LeBron James (F), and Anthony Davis (C) will be the probable starting five.
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Lakers Predictions
The Lakers may have had a tiresome road trip, but after three losses in a row, this clash serves as the perfect opportunity to end their road trip 3-3. However, they will be wary of a young Pistons outfit who, despite their below-par ratings (19th on offensive and second-worst in defense), have enough to cause an upset.
For the Lakers, it’s all about another Davis show. The big man has gutted through his back issues to average 27.5 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. James, who missed the last encounter against Detroit, has 25.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists.
The likes of Russell Westbrook, Lonnie Walker, and Austin Reaves have made notable contributions for LA, and should one of their superstars have an off day; the above trio will look to step up. This one’s going the Lakers’ way.
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