The Los Angeles Lakers will be facing the Indiana Pacers tonight. They won the last game against the New York Knicks after a controversial OT loss to the Boston Celtics. LeBron James even claimed that the game was “decided by the refs.” Since that loss, the Lakers have also lost to the Brooklyn Nets. Now, they aim to start building that winning momentum once again. LeBron James and Anthony Davis will be key for the Lakers tonight, as the 17-time NBA champs continue to look for options in the market before the trade deadline.
AD has been facing plenty of troubles with injuries recently. Ultimately, injuries have been the main reason for his downfall. When he was playing for the New Orleans Pelicans, the NBA community expected him to be an MVP contender every season. He was supposed to be the superstar of the NBA. Now, make no mistake, Davis is still one of the best players in the league, but his injury-proneness does not help make a case for that consistently. Speaking of his injuries, the 2020 NBA champ is listed on the Lakers’ injury report once again ahead of the Pacers game tonight.
Anthony Davis is probable for the Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers game tonight
AD suffered a stress injury in his foot a few weeks ago and was on the sidelines for quite some time. It meant that LeBron James had to take full control of the ship. The 4x NBA champ did exceptionally well to do that, as he continued to put in a shift every game in Davis’ absence. Today, Davis is on the Lakers’ injury report with a right foot injury. It is unknown whether he has suffered the same injury again but AD is most likely to play tonight.
#Lakers injury report for tomorrow against the Pacers: pic.twitter.com/6Dj9NLXCOx
— Daniel Starkand (@DStarkand) February 1, 2023
Apart from that, King James is also on the injury report. He is questionable for tonight’s game with left ankle soreness. However, judging from how he has dealt with this issue in the last few weeks, there would be no harm in us expecting James to make an appearance tonight. Patrick Beverley is also probable for the game tonight with a knee injury. The only player to miss tonight’s game will be Austin Reaves, who is recovering from a left hamstring strain.
Los Angeles Lakers injury report
- Anthony Davis (probable)
- LeBron James (questionable)
- Patrick Beverley (probable)
- Austin Reaves (out)
Los Angeles Lakers expected roster
- Anthony Davis (probable)
- LeBron James (questionable)
- Dennis Schroder
- Rui Hachimura
- Troy Brown Jr.
Indiana Pacers injury report
- Tyrese Haliburton (questionable)
- Daniel Theis (out)
Indiana Pacers expected roster
- Aaron Nesmith
- Chris Duarte
- Myles Turner
- Buddy Hield
- T.J.McConnell
Tyrese Haliburton is questionable to face the Lakers tonight. He suffered left knee and left elbow sprains a while ago but it looks like there is a chance he plays tonight. Daniel Theis is also questionable for the Pacers with a right knee injury.
Can Anthony Davis and LeBron James lead the Lakers to a win against the Pacers tonight?
LeBron and Davis have been the standout performers for the Lakers this season. Although Russell Westbrook still receives hate, he comes up clutch and steps up when the Lakers need him. This was certainly the case in OT during the Knicks game. Russ will be crucial for the Lakers once again even if he does not start. This is one of the main reasons why the Lakers are favorites to take the win tonight, taking into account Rui Hachimura’s presence as well. The Pacers‘ defense will not be able to contain LeBron and Co. tonight.
An interesting point to note is that the Pacers have won the last two games against the Lakers. Tyrese Haliburton was the star for the Pacers in the last game when they won the game 116-115. Anthony Davis and LeBron James put up 25 and 21 points on the board respectively but could not lead the Lakers to victory. However, we can predict that the Lakers are much stronger defensively this time around.
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