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Eight-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis is probable yet again for the LA Lakers when they face the Toronto Raptors tonight. AD last missed a game due to the same reason last March 1 versus the OKC Thunder.
Davis missed 5 ½ weeks due to a right foot stress injury but has been unavailable only three times since his return on January 25. The Lakers are hoping he does not have to sit out until they nail at least a play-in spot.
Following their win over the Memphis Grizzlies three nights ago, Darvin Ham’s squad is now 9th in the Western Conference with a 32-34 record. LA’s resurgence has largely been due to the NBA MVP-level play of AD.
Over his last three games, Davis is averaging 35.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 3.7 assists. He is shooting 57.8% from the field, including 44.4% from behind the arc. Davis is showing that he can carry the Lakers without the injured four-time NBA MVP LeBron James.
Davis is expected to be on the floor tonight barring any setbacks.
Meanwhile, Davis’ teammate, D’Angelo Russell has been upgraded to probable as well. Russell has been sidelined since February 23 in the Lakers’ 111-108 win over the Golden State Warriors. He played just nine minutes in the game and exited due to a sprained right ankle.
Darvin Ham indicated after the win against the Grizzlies that Russell will likely play versus the Raptors and is expected to start.
The former NBA All-Star’s return will only make the LA Lakers stronger. He is averaging 13.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists in four games for his new team.
Russell’s return will mean a return to the bench for Dennis Schroder, who has played great without their starting point guard and LeBron James.
Karl-Anthony Towns: Right calf strain; Injured since: November 28, 2023
Three-time NBA All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns has played just 21 games this season and has not seen action since November 28 versus the Washington Wizards. Towns crumpled to the floor in the third quarter of the game, clutching his right leg.
According to Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, the superstar big man is in the “final stages” of his return. He has been cleared to do basketball activities but does not have a specific return date.
The Timberwolves are in the thick of a fight for at least the sixth seed to gain an outright playoff berth. Minnesota is currently seventh in the Western Conference with a 34-33 record. Having a healthy Karl-Anthony Towns in the lineup will greatly improve their chances of attaining their goal.
Once “KAT” is available, he may be under minutes restriction to ease his return.
Kevin Love: Right rib contusion; Injured since March 6, 2023
Kevin Love was on the sidelines when the Miami Heat won 130-128 versus the Atlanta Hawks on March 6. He sat out due to a right rib contusion. He returned to the lineup two nights ago in Miami’s 104-100 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, his former team.
In the rematch with the Cavs,’ Love has been ruled probable due to the same issue. The Heat will play a back-to-back set starting tonight. The 2016 NBA champ could sit out tonight’s game or tomorrow’s matchup against the Orlando Magic.
