The Los Angeles Lakers aren’t exactly a healthy unit, but their spunk and dogged determination has been on full display as they stake their claim for a postseason berth.
Their mettle will further be tested when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Friday and will be without the services of LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell.
However, the Lakers will still be sweating over the health of Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder. While the latter delivered, helping LA pip the Oklahoma City Thunder, he did give the side an injury scare after turning his ankle in the first quarter. That said, there have been no serious concerns, and the team hopes that the guard can stay that way till James and Russell arrive.
The Timberwolves are 2-3 in their last five games and come off a win against the LA Clippers. From a potential play-in seeding perspective, the game becomes all the more crucial for the Purple and Gold. A win on Friday will inch them closer to the play-in shot and the .500 mark that they have struggled to hit all season.
On that note, here are the projected starters, the injury report from both camps, and the predicted outcome.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Lakers, as aforementioned, will be without James and Russell. The former may have dodged a bullet with no surgery, but he will need rest and is set to be evaluated in three weeks. Russell continues to recover from his ankle injury, per ESPN. Davis and Schroder were listed day-to-day, but the duo is likely to take the floor.
Dennis Schroder (G), Malik Beasley (G), Troy Brown Jr. (F), Jarred Vanderbilt (F), and Anthony Davis (C) might be the starting five for LA.
Minnesota Timberwolves Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
Karl-Anthony Towns will be missing the clash against the Lakers, and the think-tank expects to have the star ready as they approach their final 10-15 games stretch. Jaylen Nowell (knee) is listed day-to-day.
Expect the Timberwolves to go with the same five from their last game against the Clippers. Mike Conley (G), Anthony Edwards (G), Jaden McDaniels (F), Kyle Anderson (F), and Rudy Gobert (C) will likely take the floor.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions
Much depends on how the Lakers can shoot against a formidable Timberwolves unit. In James and Russell’s absence, the likes of Davis, Schroder, and Austin Reaves will look to keep the scoreboard ticking while also playing some tough defense.
If Davis can win the battle over Gobert, Schröder remains healthy, and the new Lakers roster can fend off Edwards, then LA might just be able to sneak in another win, and a rather crucial one at that. This further puts them in a better position as they lock horns with the Golden State Warriors on Sunday.
It’s all about hanging on for the Lakers, and with Davis still suiting up, they have every chance to pull off a win against Minnesota. As far as predictions go, expect the Lakers to pull off a stunner.
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