The Los Angeles Lakers are one step closer to the NBA 2022-23 playoffs, but they have to vault over the Minnesota Timberwolves, who, despite being short-handed, still prove to be a formidable challenge.
The seventh-seeded Lakers will host the eighth-seeded Wolves at the Crypto.com Arena. And should either of the teams lose, they still have a shot at making the postseason by playing the loser of the New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder.
Minnesota comes into the clash on the back of some intense drama. For starters, they will be without the services of Rudy Gobert, who, after his altercation with Kyle Anderson, has been served with a one-game suspension. The Wolves will also miss forward Jaden McDaniels to a fracture after he punched the wall during the team’s last clash against the Pelicans.
This puts the Lakers as firm favorites ahead of the skirmish, but their opponents have two players who can, on their day, decimate any team in their way. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards will be in focus as they hope to keep the in-form Lakers in check.
On that note, here’s a look at the expected starters, the injury report, and the predicted outcome of the mammoth clash in the offing.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
LeBron James (foot), Anthony Davis (foot), and D’Angelo Russell (foot) were all listed as probable ahead of the game but will almost certainly suit up, given the magnitude of the clash.
D’Angelo Russell (G), Austin Reaves (G), Jarred Vanderbilt (F), LeBron James (F), and Anthony Davis (C) will be the expected starters for LA.
Minnesota Timberwolves Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Wolves released their injury report ahead of the game, with Jaylen Nowell (knee) listed as questionable. Also downgraded was Towns (calf), but he will be surely taking the floor for the side.
Per ESPN, Luka Garza, Jaden McDaniels, Rudy Gobert, Naz Reid, and Matt Ryan are listed as out.
Expect the Wolves to have a different roster. Mike Conley (G), Anthony Edwards (G), Taurean Prince (F), Karl-Anthony Towns (F), and Nathan Knight (C).
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves Predictions
The Lakers will be sincerely hoping that this will be their last hurdle to the playoffs. After starting their season 0-5 and later 2-10, they have impressively clawed their way back into postseason contention, even if it means running on fumes in certain games.
The Wolves are hurting, not just from their locker room problems but also from the fact that they are missing some of their complimentary players who have been instrumental in getting them to where they are this season.
Earlier, Darvin Ham echoed the team’s sentiments ahead of the matchup. According to the official NBA site: “We’re just looking forward to the opportunity,” Ham said after the team’s 128-117 home win over the Utah Jazz.
“Starting where we started at earlier in the year, and now sitting where we find ourselves sitting, we’re excited. The guys are ready to go. We’ve got great synergy in our locker room.”
Will this be the game that propels the Lakers into the playoffs? Or will they have a shock upset? Only time will tell. But for now, they’re the ones expected to walk away with a win.
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