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Four-time NBA MVP LeBron James of the LA Lakers is listed as probable for tonight’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. He is likely to play, as the Lakers have had a two-day break since James dropped 47 points on his birthday versus the Atlanta Hawks.
The Lakers will try to avenge a 134-130 loss to the Hornets last December 23 at Crypto.com Arena. LA will also be in the final leg of a five-game road trip where they currently hold a 2-2 record.
Despite their win against the Hawks, the Lakers are still near the bottom of the standings. They’re 13th in the West and are desperately hoping to stay afloat until Anthony Davis, who is out with a foot injury, returns.
LeBron James has played in the LA Lakers’ last six games as they try to improve their win-loss slate. His status before the Hawks game was questionable but he didn’t show any signs of an injury. The 18x NBA All-Star outhustled and outworked most Hawks players who were all significantly younger than him.
In his last six games, “King James” is averaging 34.2 points, 7.3 assists and 6.7 rebounds. He could continue his sizzling form against Charlotte, who has one of the worst defenses in the NBA.
Meanwhile, Darius Garland could miss his second straight game when the Cleveland Cavaliers have their rematch with the Chicago Bulls. The NBA All-Star guard sat out last Saturday’s encounter due to a sprained thumb.
Garland injured his thumb in a losing cause against the Indiana Pacers last Thursday.
Surprisingly enough, the Cavs’ snapped a three-game losing streak without their best playmaker. But they would surely rather have him on the floor in action than on the sidelines.
Garland is averaging 21.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and team-high 7.8 assists. He is also hitting a career-high 40.0% from deep.
Caris LeVert could return to the starting lineup if Garland remains out.
Jonathan Kuminga: Right foot sprain; Injured since December 30, 2022
The Golden State Warriors' injury woes continue. They have now ruled out Jonathan Kuminga due to a right foot sprain. Kuminga suffered the injury in the defending NBA champs’ 118-112 over the Portland Trail Blazers last Friday.
The versatile forward last missed a game on November 16 versus the Phoenix Suns. He has missed just four games in all this season for the Warriors.
Amid injuries to Andre Iguodala and Andrew Wiggins, Kuminga has taken on a more prominent role for head coach Steve Kerr. His scoring and shooting efficiency are down compared to last season, but he has been making more of an impact.
Last month, he averaged 9.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists. Every healthy body for the Warriors will play more minutes as they have ruled out six players for tonight.
Fred VanVleet: Lower back stiffness; Injured since December 27, 2022
Former NBA champ Fred VanVleet could miss his third straight game tonight when the Toronto Raptors face the Indiana Pacers on the road. “Steady Freddy” is dealing with lower back stiffness.
The 16-20 Raptors are just 3-7 in their last 10 games. Not having VanVleet for another game will hurt them. The former NBA All-Star is averaging 18.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists and 1.6 steals.
Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes will play more point guard duties if VanVleet remains out.
