The Los Angeles Lakers have fared pretty well considering the long list of injuries the team is currently dealing with. Yet, the Lakers have won five of their last six games and will be hoping for a third consecutive win when they see the Utah Jazz tonight. Although the injuries within the team have not restricted their ability to make shots, the Lakers are getting crushed on the glass. With a 47.5% rebounding rate in the first eight games, they were 24th in the league. Although this stat has improved to a 51.5% rebounding rate in the last six games, they need their forward Jarred Vanderbilt to help them overcome their defensive struggles.
The Lakers will go head-to-head with the Utah Jazz at Crpto.com Arena. Although the Jazz seem to be struggling this season, the Lakers will enter the contest shorthanded without point guard Gabe Vincent. So, will Jarred Vanderbilt suit up tonight to help the shorthanded Lakers secure a third straight win against his former team?
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Is Jarred Vanderbilt playing tonight?
His stats might not say much, but the versatile 6-foot-9 forward had a huge impact on the frontcourt behind Anthony Davis. Consequently, the Lakers confirmed Vanderbilt’s importance to the team after signing him to a four-year, $48 million extension this summer. However, he hasn’t had a chance to show off his skills on the court yet due to a heel injury. The Lakers forward has been dealing with left heel bursitis (inflammation) for weeks.
However, the doctors have now cleared him to return to the game. As he ramps up to make his season debut, it won’t be long now before we see the defensive stalwart on the court again. However, he will be out in their upcoming In-Season Tournament against the Utah Jazz. When asked about his return date, Jarred stated, “Not quite sure”.
Briefly chatted with Jarred Vanderbilt earlier. He called the Lakers’ start “pretty impressive” considering the injuries. He said his heel is “pretty good” but he’s “not quite sure” on his timetable to return.
On if he expects to start? “I’ll let the coaches figure that out. I?
? Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) November 21, 2023
In addition to Jarred, the Lakers’ newest addition, Gabe Vincent, will also be sidelined for the game due to a knee injury.
Los Angeles Lakers expected starting lineup
The injury report does not end here. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jalen Hood-Schifino are also mentioned in tonight’s injury report. James is questionable, as he is nursing a calf injury. Davis is dealing with a left hip injury but is expected to feature in the starting lineup. Hood-Schifino is battling a right knee contusion and is also questionable for tonight’s game against the Jazz.
The projected starting lineup is?D?Angelo Russell, Cam Reddish, Taurean Prince, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis. However, if Bron decides to rest tonight, Rui Hachimura is expected to take his place.
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