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Before embarking on a four-game road trip, the Lakers will tonight take on the Miami Heat at Staples Center. It will be the second meeting between the two teams, as LeBron James memorably score 51 points in Miami during a 113-97 Lakers win last month.
Both teams are vying for a playoff place in their respective conferences, and the Heat have proved to be much better on their travels this season (6-5) when compared to their form at the American Airlines Arena (5-9). It should prove to be a competitive game and the starting lineups may prove vital to either team getting off to a fast start.
The Lakers starting lineup will be influenced for a second game by Brandon Ingram's injury. The 21-year-old will miss at least two more games, and this means that Josh Hart will most likely start for a third consecutive game. Hart has impressed in Ingram's absence, so neither Kentavious Caldwell-Pope or Lance Stephenson Jr. is likely to start.
The rest of the Lakers team picks itself, as Lonzo Ball will continue to start due to the absence of Rajon Rondo. The 32-year-old point guard has started to take part in full contact training, although this game will come too early.
On the Heat side of things, the team continues to be plagued by injuries, as Tyler Johnson, Josh Richardson, and Wayne Ellington are all doubtful for the game. Goran Dragic also continues to be on a minutes restriction, while centre Hassan Whiteside will likely be away from the team once again due to personal reasons.
There have been calls from Heat fans for Dwyane Wade to be restored to the starting lineup, although this is unlikely, as he has operated best as part of the reserve unit. Due to a lack of options, the Heat are likely to field the same young team that has won the last two games.
Predicted starting line-ups:
Lakers: Kyle Kuzma, LeBron James, JaVale McGee, Josh Hart, Lonzo Ball
Heat: Rodney McGruder, James Johnson, Bam Adebayo, Justise Winslow, Tyler Johnson
Guess the Lakers players!
