Anthony Davis is still an injury doubt for the Lakers ahead of their second game of a back-to-back, against the Trail Blazers tonight.
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The Lakers romped to victory against the Timberwolves last night despite AD sitting the game out. This was mainly because the Wolves were missing Karl-Anthony Towns with a wrist injury. KAT’s return timeline is unclear, and his absence will significantly blight their playoff chances.
The Lakers are in no such spot of bother with AD. They do have the best player on the planet in LeBron James obviously, but they also have a great roster around him. The likes of Montrezl Harrell and Marc Gasol will be lethal in pick-and-roll or pick-and-pop situations with James.
Kyle Kuzma dropped 20 points on some really efficient shooting yesterday, so the Lakers have plugged that hole well. They will be hoping AD comes back soon though, given the strength of the Wolves’ frontcourt.
Anthony Davis in no pressure to make comeback tonight against Trail Blazers
Damian Lillard and co might luck out tonight and find themselves playing with little to no rim protection. Anthony Davis will not be rushed back into action, according to sources.
Lakers are hopeful Anthony Davis will return tonight, but will remain flexible with him and LeBron James.https://t.co/ZhAaqf7sTD pic.twitter.com/Z3oz8b5Mpf
— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) December 28, 2020
The Blazers got off to a topsy-turvy start to the season, getting blown out by the Utah Jazz. They recovered to snatch an OT victory over James Harden and the Rockets. Even without AD, getting past the Lakers will be a formidable challenge for them.
The Blazers will be hoping that CJ and Dame go off for a second straight game so they can go above .500. Portland will want to keep some leeway for themselves this time around instead of having to play a play-in tournament like last year.
