The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers meet Thursday at 10:00 p.m. ET at the Intuit Dome, with both teams managing injury concerns that could impact rotations and strategies.
For the Lakers, Austin Reaves (left calf strain) and Adou Thiero (right MCL sprain) are out. The Purple and Gold has won its last two games, beating Denver 115-107 and Toronto 110-93.
The Clippers are facing a longer injury list, with Bradley Beal (left hip fracture), Bogdan Bogdanovic (left hamstring), Derrick Jones Jr. (right knee), and Chris Paul (not with team) sidelined. Kawhi Leonard is questionable with a left knee contusion. Los Angeles has lost its most recent game, 110-138 to Chicago, but defeated Washington 110-106 the night before.
Lakers’ star Luka Doncic leads the team at 33.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game, shooting 46.7% from the field and 33.7% from three. LeBron James averages 22.5 points with 6.0 rebounds, while Rui Hachimura adds 12.0 points per night. Deandre Ayton remains efficient inside, converting 68.5% of two-point attempts for 13.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game.
Clippers rely on Kawhi Leonard, averaging 28.2 points and 6.3 rebounds, and James Harden, putting up 26.0 points and 8.0 assists per contest. Ivica Zubac anchors the paint with 10.8 rebounds and 14.8 points per night. John Collins contributes 13.3 points and 4.9 rebounds. However, the absence of Beal and Bogdanović will put additional pressure on the stars to produce.
The two Los Angeles rivals have split previous meetings this season, with the Lakers winning 135-118 on November 25 and the Clippers taking a 103-88 victory on December 20.
Currently, the Lakers hold a 26-16 record, sitting fifth in the Western Conference, while the Clippers are 19-24, 10 games behind in the playoff race.
