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Four-time NBA MVP LeBron James of the LA Lakers has been officially listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Atlanta Hawks. James, however, has played in the Lakers’ last five games and saw 34 minutes of action versus the Miami Heat last Wednesday.
Without Anthony Davis for at least two more weeks, “King James” has been gallantly carrying his team. Head coach Darvin Ham has allowed him to play when healthy except on the second night of a back-to-back.
Unless the Lakers have ruled him out, there is still a big chance the 18x NBA All-Star will play. He has had questionable status before in games but still suited up. James has played in 27 of the Lakers’ 35 games this season.
He is averaging 27.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game. He is still struggling from deep, hitting just 29.7% of his three-point shots.
If the four-time NBA Finals MVP is sidelined, Troy Brown Jr., Wenyen Gabriel and Austin Reaves (probable) will likely see more playing time.
Meanwhile, Draymond Green had a 30-minute game in the Golden State Warriors' 112-107 victory over the Utah Jazz last Wednesday. However, he’s been designated probable for tonight’s encounter versus the Portland Trail Blazers.
The four-time NBA champ is reportedly playing through a right foot injury. He is still expected to play unless Golden State’s medical staff decides to keep him out after the morning shootaround.
The Warriors will be severely undermanned if Draymond Green is unable to play. They are still waiting for Steph Curry to suit up, while Andrew Wiggins’ expected return has been delayed. JaMychal Green, Andre Iguodala and Donte DiVincenzo have been ruled out as well.
Steve Kerr will have to rely on Jonathan Kuminga and James Wiseman if Green does not play.
Tyrese Maxey: Fractured left foot; Injured since November 18, 2022
Tyrese Maxey’s long-awaited return could happen tonight when the Philadelphia 76ers take on the New Orleans Pelicans. Maxey last played against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 18 and has since missed 17 straight games.
The Sixers just had their eight-game winning streak broken by the Washington Wizards last Tuesday. Having Maxey back in the lineup will certainly make them more formidable.
Before the unfortunate injury, the former Kentucky standout was considered to be one of the leading contenders for the NBA’s Most Improved Player award. There’s still plenty of time to recover and contend for the honor if he gets back to his superb form.
Maxey is averaging 22.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 15 games for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Trae Young: Left calf contusion; Injured since December 28, 2022
Trae Young could see action tonight when the Atlanta Hawks host the LA Lakers. The two-time NBA All-Star sat out in the Hawks’ loss to the Brooklyn Nets the other night.
He is expected to play for the Hawks in a marquee matchup with LeBron James and the Lakers unless a setback happens.
“Ice Trae” is averaging 27.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 9.9 assists in 31 games. Young has struggled with his shooting this season, hitting just 41.4% of his shots, including a dismal 31.6% from behind the arc.
Fellow NBA All-Star Dejounte Murray will carry a heavier load again if Young sits out.
