The Los Angeles Lakers were supposed to close out the series at the Chase Center earlier this week, but as expected, the Golden State Warriors weren’t ready to throw in the towel.
And now, the series continues as the Warriors head to the Crypto.com Arena in hopes of forcing a Game 7. The Lakers looked wobbly, especially with a concussion scare to Anthony Davis and LeBron James’ dodgy ankle. But ahead of the Friday matchup, the Lakers will be buoyed by the presence of their superstars, both of whom are expected to play.
The Lakers need one win, but it’s easier said than done. The Corgi predictions aside, they will be wary that Golden State has managed to bounce back from a 3-1 deficit before — a feat only five teams have achieved in the last eight years.
All the more reason for the Lakers to bring their game faces to the table. They will need the likes of Austin Reaves and Jarred Vanderbilt to step up offensively and hope that their bench outscores that of the Warriors. Their defense will be their primary weapon, and now that makes Friday’s clash of the Titans all the more pivotal for both teams.
On that note, here’s a look at the expected starters from both teams, the injury reports, and the predictions.
Los Angeles Lakers Injuries And Expected Lineups
The Lakers have familiar faces in their injury report. Mo Bamba will be missing the clash, while ESPN’s updated injury list has James and Davis as probable.
Expect the Lakers to go with the same unit as they have all series long. D’Angelo Russell (G), Austin Reaves (G), LeBron James (F), Jarred Vanderbilt (F), and Anthony Davis (C) will be their starting five.
Golden State Warriors Injuries And Expected Lineups
The Warriors have a blow with Andrew Wiggins listed as questionable after a cartilage fracture. Andre Iguodala and Ryan Rollins will be on the sidelines, while Patrick Baldwin Jr. is listed as questionable as well.
Stephen Curry (G), Klay Thompson (G), Gary Payton II (F), Andrew Wiggins (F), and Kevon Looney (C) are the projected starters for the Warriors.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors Predictions
All said that the Lakers might need just one win, but the defending champions have been relentless and have refused to acknowledge defeat, meaning a Game 7 is well on the cards here.
The Lakers fall back on James and Davis, who know it is imperative that they have to shut down the Warriors on Friday. A failure on that end means heading back to San Francisco to play more than just Golden State but also their raucous fans. The Lakers are the favorites, but expect this to go down to the wire.
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