Will LeBron James & Stephen Curry Play Tonight? Lakers vs Warriors Play-In Predictions, Injury Updates & Lineups

It is yet another chapter in the rivalry between LeBron James and Steph Curry as the red-hot Golden State Warriors face off against the champions Los Angeles Lakers in the marquee match-up of the new play-in tournament. The Lakers vs Warriors play-in game is scheduled to be held at 9:00 PM EST tonight.

After struggling for the majority of the season with injuries to superstars, the Lakers are finally getting back to full health. With Schroder, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James back in the starting five, the champions are set to defend their throne after winning five games in a row. Talisman LeBron James is finally showing flashes of his brilliance, scoring a combined 49 points in his last two games. The champions will hope that their superstar duo can help them maintain their electrifying form against the Golden State Warriors and secure the seventh seed in the West.

The Golden State Warriors, meanwhile, have had a fantastic turnaround this season. In their last 15 games, the Dubs won 11 games and secured the eighth spot in the regular season. Resilient defense and a Steph Curry masterclass have transformed the team off-late. They have become one of the top defenses in the team anchored by Draymond Green, while Curry has led the charge in the offensive end. The Warriors are playing some of their best basketball lately and will have to bring their ‘A-game’ if they want to pull off an upset against the Lakers.

Predictions for the Lakers vs Warriors play-in game

The Warriors and the Lakers are in fantastic form coming into this game. While the Dubs have been in electrifying form, they have had their fair share of troubles against the hard-nosed defense of the champions in the regular season. Given their regular season struggles and also the fact that the Lakers are finally getting back to full health, the Lakers are favorites to win this game but all of it will depend on whether they can keep a red-hot Steph Curry quiet in the game.

Los Angeles Lakers: Injury updates and lineup prediction

While LeBron James did have a great game against the Pelicans, he also had a massive scare as he had an awkward landing on his right ankle and left the court immediately. But in the post-game presser, ‘King James’ claimed that he would be fine for the game against the Warriors.

The Lakers do not have any major injury concerns against the Dubs with Anthony Davis questionable with a shoulder injury. LeBron James is also probable as he recovers from an ankle injury.

Given how high the stakes are and how good of a matchup the Phoenix Suns might turn out for the Lakers, the Purple and Gold will most probably go all-in against the Dubs and will put up their best starting five.

Probable Lineups

Dennis Schroder (G)

Kentavious Caldwell Pope (G)

LeBron James (F)

Anthony Davis (F)

Andre Drummond (C)

Golden State Warriors: Injury updates and lineup prediction

The Warriors will miss four players through injuries. Klay Thompson and James Wiseman are sidelined for the rest of the season. Damion Lee has to follow the league’s medical protocols and is thus listed out against the Lakers. New signing Kelly Oubre Jr is out indefinitely as he recovers from a wrist injury.

The Dubs will hope that Steph Curry can put on a show against the champions. Curry is coming off an amazing 46 point performance against the Grizzlies and might have to replicate that if the Dubs realistically want to beat the Lakers.

Probable Lineup

Steph Curry (G)

Kent Bazemore (G)

Andrew Wiggins (F)

Draymond Green (F)

Kevon Looney (C)

Who will win between the upcoming Lakers vs Warriors play-in game?

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