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Four-time NBA MVP LeBron James is questionable again for the LA Lakers when they take on the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night. He has had that designation since returning to the lineup on Sunday against the Chicago Bulls.
James has played in two straight games since returning from a 13-game absence due to a right foot injury. It’s not surprising that he’s on the injury report, but it wouldn’t raise any eyebrows if he is upgraded to available hours before game time.
The 19x NBA All-Star came off the bench in his return and then took his usual spot in the starting rotation in the Lakers’ last game. He is expected to be part of Darvin Ham’s starting unit if he’s available.
Over the past two games, “King James” has averaged 22.0 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.5 apg and 1.0 spg. He is hitting 53.3% of his shots, including 20.0% from behind the arc.
The four-time champ played like his old self in LA’s 121-110 win over the Chicago Bulls. James saw action for 31 minutes and finished with 25 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Barring any setback, the Lakers are expected to make him available for the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Meanwhile, another Los Angeles superstar has also been ruled questionable. Kawhi Leonard’s availability for the LA Clippers game on Friday night against the Memphis Grizzlies is uncertain due to personal reasons.
The two-time NBA Finals MVP wasn’t with the Clippers in their first meeting with the Grizzlies. Leonard might miss another match-up against Memphis if no significant update develops between the team’s morning shootaround and pregame warmups.
Former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook played his best game in two seasons in leading the Clippers to a 141-132 win over the Grizzlies. He played 36 minutes and finished with a season-high 36 points, 10 assists, four rebounds and two blocks.
The LA Clippers will desperately need him to sustain his form if Kawhi Leonard is not available. Terance Mann could be re-inserted into the starting lineup if the 2019 NBA champ is not with the team.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Left ankle sprain; Injured since: March 26, 2023
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will miss his third straight game when the OKC Thunder visit the Indiana Pacers on Friday night. “SGA” tweaked his left ankle against the Portland Trail Blazers on Mar. 26.
The ankle swelled on the flight back to Oklahoma, which ruled out the first-time NBA All-Star in the Thunder’s past two games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could make his return on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns. Tre Mann and Aaron Wiggins are expected to get more playing time as “SGA” recovers from his injury.
Karl-Anthony Towns: Right calf strain; Injured since: November 28, 2022
Karl-Anthony Towns has played in three of the past four games for the Minnesota Timberwolves after a long layoff due to a right calf strain. He sat out in the Timberwolves’ 119-115 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Monday, which was the second night of a back-to-back set.
The NBA All-Star has reportedly practiced with the team ahead of their match-up against the LA Lakers on Friday night. Minnesota ruled him probable heading into the game.
He will likely be a game-time decision, considering their need to win against the Lakers.
