The Barclays Center will witness the final game between the Nets and Lakers on Sunday, March 31 at 6:00 PM ET. The last time the two teams squared off, the Purple & Gold barely put up a fight and lost 112-130 on January 19. But now, Los Angeles is fighting for a spot in the playoffs, and with just eight chances left to make it, there is no doubt that they will be doing everything to ensure the position.

The team encountered disappointing results against the Pacers in their last game, going 90-109. Standing at the ninth position in the Western Conference with a 41-33 record, they are one game behind the Kings for the eighth rank. Hence, a rebound is all the Lakers will look for as they clash against the 11th-seeded Brooklyn Nets.

On that note, the Lakers might also have the services of Gabe Vincent for the night. The latest injury report has Vincent listed as ‘Questionable’ along with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The 27-year-old guard had been out since December 20 due to knee surgery. James continues to fight against ankle issues while AD is dealing with knee problems. Apart from these three, Jalen Hood-Schifino (lumbar disc surgery), Jarred Vanderbilt (right midfoot sprain), and Christian Wood (left knee surgery) are listed as ‘Out’.

Considering that the Lakers haven’t been the best in defense (115.7, 15th in the league), Vincent’s return could prove to be a plus on that end. But there is the fact that he’s played just five games for LA this season. So, getting back on the floor will pose its own challenges. Nonetheless, the team will be happy to have their guard back.

LeBron James and Co. will be facing a depleted Nets team

On the Brooklyn Nets side, key pieces have already been sidelined for the season. Ben Simmons will be recovering fully in time for training camp next season. Dariq Whitehead has also been out since January and was announced as requiring three months to recover. Keita Bates-Diop was recently announced as going to miss the rest of the season with a shin injury.

But on the positive side, Dennis Smith Jr. (hip) has been upgraded to probable while Cameron Johnson (toe) is ‘questionable’ vs the Lakers. Brooklyn currently occupies the 11th position in the Eastern Conference with a 29-45 record. Despite the best efforts of Mikal Bridges, Cam Thomas, and Dennis Schroder, injuries have been an Achilles heel throughout the season.

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However, the Nets have been on a three-game winning streak now and may hope for the luck to hold out tonight. What do you think the Nets’ chances are against the Lakers? Drop your predictions below.

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