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NBA superstar LeBron James of the LA Lakers is probable to play tonight versus the Dallas Mavericks. James has missed a few games over the last two weeks due to a sore left ankle. He missed last Monday’s 122-109 loss to the Denver Nuggets on the road.
When he’s available, though, the four-time NBA MVP is still playing at an elite level at already 38 years old. He is averaging 34.3 points on 56.7% shooting to go with 7.6 assists and 7.3 rebounds over his last 10 games.
Despite his continued struggles from beyond the arc, where he’s shooting just 24.1% over the same stretch, he’s been the Lakers’ most impactful player. His status for tonight does not mean anything as he has been sidelined in the past despite being just probable.
The Lakers could surely use James’ presence tonight as they had their five-game winning run snapped by the Nuggets. They’re also still missing Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV while Patrick Beverley is questionable.
Meanwhile, Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat could play tonight after he sat out last Tuesday’s 112-111 victory over the OKC Thunder. The former NBA All-Star is dealing with a bruised wrist but is expected to suit up for the Heat versus the Milwaukee Bucks.
Adebayo is averaging a career-high 21.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.1 steals this season. He has missed just five of Miami’s 42 games.
The perennial NBA Defensive Player of the Year contender will be badly needed as the Heat’s frontline is a little thin. Backup big men Dewayne Dedmon and Omer Yurtseven are out, while Udonis Haslem is questionable.
Holding off the Bucks’ imposing frontline of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez would be a huge problem if Adebayo is out.
Tyler Herro: Left Achilles soreness; Injured since January 8, 2023
It isn’t just the Miami Heat’s frontline that’s decimated. The backcourt is also saddled with injuries as reigning NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner Tyler Herro has also been ruled out.
Herro injured his Achilles in last Sunday’s matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, where the Heat lost 102-101. He didn’t play in Miami’s victory over the Thunder two nights ago and will miss his second straight game.
The Miami Heat have not given a definite timeline for Herro’s return so it’s still unclear when he could return to action. Max Strus and Gabe Vincent should be shoo-ins to start as both Herro and Lowry are out.
Gordon Hayward: Left hamstring soreness; Injured since January 2, 2023
Gordon Hayward’s injury-plagued career has continued this season. He has played only half of the Charlotte Hornets’ 42 games. Hayward is doubtful tonight versus the Toronto Raptors due to a sore left hamstring. It will be a fifth straight game missed if he’s in street clothes yet again.
The former NBA All-Star is averaging 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists.
Jalen McDaniels could continue enjoying more minutes if Gordon Hayward is unavailable.
Guess the Lakers players!
