The NBA Cup quarterfinals bring a high-stakes win-or-go-home game to Los Angeles, setting the stage for a major showdown between Western Conference powerhouses. The Lakers aim to use their home court and a suddenly healthy roster to punch a ticket to Vegas.

However, the San Antonio Spurs look to prove their solid record, even with their biggest star watching from the sidelines. Let’s double down on the latest injury updates on team veterans.

Are LeBron James, Luka Doncic playing tonight? Latest injury report on Lakers

LeBron James and Luka Doncic are both cleared to play for the Lakers in Wednesday’s quarterfinal. They are not listed on the team’s injury report. However, the major news is the return of guard Marcus Smart. He has missed the last six games with a back injury, but was a full participant in practice on Tuesday. Smart gave a positive update on his condition ahead of the must-win game, saying, “Back’s feeling good.”

The only Lakers player with a medical designation is forward Maxi Kleber. He is listed as questionable due to a lumbar muscle strain.

Is Victor Wembanyama Playing Tonight vs Lakers?

The Spurs issued a final injury update on Victor Wembanyama ahead of tip-off. The San Antonio Spurs will officially be without their franchise player. He is ruled out with a left calf strain. This will be his 12th consecutive missed game.

Wemby has been sidelined for a month with a calf injury he sustained during a game on November 14. He was having a stellar season before the injury, averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks per game.

He had his first practice since this past Sunday. However, he sat out the Pelicans game that day with no positive timeline of his return.

The Spurs have had a rollercoaster without him. Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper have carried the team, barring the games they missed with injuries of their own. Without Wemby, the Spurs’ chances of going to the semifinals fall on them.

Are De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle playing tonight? Latest injury report on Spurs

Spurs guards De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle are not listed on the injury report and are expected to play against the Lakers. They have been leading the team’s offense in their star center’s absence.

Veteran guard Jordan McLaughlin is the other Spur on the report, listed as questionable with a left hamstring strain

Despite missing Wembanyama, the Spurs have played strong basketball. They posted an 8-3 record during this stretch without him, holding a 16-7 overall record. Their performance proves they remain a dangerous opponent.

LA Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs predicted starting lineups

Based on the latest injury reports, here is how the two teams are expected to start the game.

With Marcus Smart declaring himself ready, he is expected to slot back into the starting lineup for his defensive presence. For the Spurs, Luke Kornet is the likely candidate to start at center in place of the injured Victor Wembanyama. The Spurs will rely heavily on their starting backcourt of Fox and Castle to generate offense.

The Lakers enter this elimination game with their full arsenal of stars available, a rare advantage this season. The Spurs, however, have shown they are more than just one player and will test Los Angeles with their guard-led attack. The winner advances to the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas. However, we expect that the Lakers will win at home given the trio’s availability.