Heading into the third week of the season, the LA Lakers play their seventh game against the Detroit Pistons. So far, in their 5-game road trip, the team suffered an embarrassing loss against the Cavaliers, immediately stirring up doubts. But in the very next game, LeBron James & Co. regained the trust and now they have an opportunity to build a winning streak as they take on the struggling Pistons. However, the latest injury report that has three starters in it might play spoilsport.
Moreover, the Pistons cannot be taken lightly. Even though they started their campaign with a four-game losing streak, all these games were close finishes. Especially, in their home game match-up against the defending champions, Boston Celtics, held a 6-point lead with four minutes remaining in the game. Nevertheless, the Celts managed to edge past with a 124-118 win. Above all, the team beat the in-form Brooklyn Nets last night and they are also looking for a winning streak.
Given the Pistons’ current equation, the Lakers might have to worry, considering their latest injury. The team has listed Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and D’Angelo Russell in Day-t0-Day. While Davis and Reaves are listed as Probable for Monday’s game, D’Lo is marked as Questionable. Additionally, the team has ruled out Jared Vanderbilt, Christian Wood, and Christian Koloko, who have yet to take the court this season.
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Anthony Davis recorded a career-best appearance of 76 games last season. This season, he almost cemented his spot for the MVP race, scoring at the rate of 31.8 ppg and 12.2 rpg. Six games into the season, the superstar has a hip soreness. Even though the team listed him in the Probable category, this could get costly for the Lakers if they don’t manage his rest properly!
LeBron James & Co. vs Thriving Pistons: Starting lineup and depth chart
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Playing in his historical season, LeBron James has everything going in his favor. The superstar has averaged 22.2 ppg and 7.2 apg with a high score of 32 points this season. With AD, Reaves, and D’Lo out of action, James will have to press the gas for tonight’s games. Let’s take a look at the adjusted starting lineup and depth chart.
POSITION | STARTING LINE UP | 2nd UNIT | 3rd UNIT |
PG | Gabe Vincent | Bronny James | Jalen Hood-Schifino |
SG | Max Christie | Cam Reddish | – |
SF | Rui Hachimura | Dalton Knecht | – |
PF | LeBron James | Maxwell Lewis | – |
C | Jaxon Hayes | – | – |
Looking at the Pistons’ injury report, the team has listed Ausar Thompson and Bobi Klitman. While Klitman has been out for a while with a calf injury, Ausar Thompson is a starting forward. The sophomore star is yet to lace for the season and the small forward will be an added boost for the campaign.
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POSITION | STARTING LINE UP | 2nd UNIT | 3rd UNIT |
PG | Cade Cunningham | Marcus Sasser | Wendell Moore Jr. |
SG | Jade Ivey | Malik Beasley | – |
SF | Tim Hardaway Jr. | Ronald Holland II | – |
PF | Tobias Harris | Simone Fontecchio | – |
C | Jalen Duren | Isaiah Stewart | Paul Reed |
Can the Pistons upset the shorthanded Lakers at home? Or will LeBron James single-handedly shoulder the LA side? Let us know in the comments below.