The Los Angeles Lakers registered a strong win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday and now they will shift their focus to hosting the reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder, on Monday, February 9, at the Crypto.com Arena. The Purple and Gold are currently going through an upward curve with three consecutive wins, but they will have to be at their best if they need to take down the Thunder. So Luka Doncic’s availability becomes imperative for the Lakers.

Overall, the Lakers have shown some rhythm in the last few games, and courtesy of their wins, they have moved up to fifth spot in the Western Conference with a 32-19 record. This could be the best time for the Purple and Gold to lock horns against the Thunder, as they have lost the last two games against the San Antonio Spurs and the Houston Rockets heading into this one. The Thunder are still top of the Western Conference with a sublime record of 40-13. They will be desperate to bounce back to winning ways in Los Angeles.

Is Luka Doncic playing tonight against the Thunder?

Luka Doncic suffered a hamstring injury last Thursday against the Philadelphia 76ers. He missed the game against the Warriors, and according to JJ Redick, he will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis. But he is still listed as out for Monday’s home game.

He sustained the injury in the win vs the Sixers and left the court in the second quarter after scoring 10 points, four rebounds, and two assists in a little over 16 minutes. In his first season with the Lakers, he is putting up MVP-level numbers. He is currently leading the NBA with 32.8 points per game.

Doncic has suffered a few niggles here and there, but he managed to play through most of them, so if he is slightly capable of suiting up against the Thunder, one can expect him in the lineup. But the Lakers management will look to move forward with caution.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report

Along with Doncic, there’s also an uncertainty around another Lakers’ starter, whereas the Thunder continue to deal with multiple injury issues. Let us take a detailed look at their injury reports before this game.

Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report

The biggest news around the Thuner injury report is the unavailability of franchise cornerstone and reigning MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is out with an abdominal injury and will only be re-evaluated after the All-Star break. Similarly, Ajay Mitchell is also out with an admoninal injury and will remain on the sidelines for this game.

Meanwhile, Thomas Sorber, who tore his ACL in September, is going through a rehabilitation process and continues to remain on the sidelines. However the best news for the Thunder has to be the return of star guard Jalen Williams, who is not listed on the injury report for this game.

Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report

Luka Doncic is out with his hamstring concern, and with Austin Reaves’ return after missing 19 games, the Lakers will have some reprive but still they will miss the Slovenian’s presence on the court.

Other than Doncic, Lakers starting center Deandre Ayton is listed as probable with a knee issue. The big man missed the previous game against the Warriors owing to a last-minute decision, but he is expected to return to the lineup on Monday. Lastly, rookie star Adou Thiero remains out of contention with his knee concern.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers predicted starting lineups

Based on the NBA injury reports, here’s how teams could line up for Monday’s showdown.

Without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder are in a spot of bother, but Jalen Williams’ return could be a boost for them heading into this game. Wallace dropped a 23-point performance in the previous game in their 112-106 defeat vs the Rockets. Players like Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Aaron Wiggins will also be crucial. On the other hand, Doncic is a big miss for the hosts, they will expect Reaves to produce a big performance from the bench. Similarly, all eyes will be on how LeBron James fares against the leaders in the West.