The Los Angeles Lakers are not in an ideal position at the moment. A string of injuries has deterred the team’s confidence and the Lakers are 2-3 in the last five games. As for their upcoming regular-season fixture, the defending champions take on the Sacramento Kings on Friday.

Arena: Golden 1 Center

Time: 10:00 PM ET (April 2, 2021) 

This will be the second regular-season meeting between the Lakers and the Kings in the 2020-21 NBA regular season. Sacramento can boast about clinching victory in the first encounter, but the upcoming fixture is crucial for both teams. 

Sacramento Kings vs Los Angeles Lakers: Injury Updates and Lineups

Kings

The Kings are unbeaten in their last five games at home. They have the reigning champions visiting them next, and their streak is on the line. So far, the Kings have amassed a 4-4 record against Pacific division opponents, and the upcoming fixture will break the tie in their even record. 

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De’Aaron Fox has been Sacramento’s best performer, and he’s averaging 24.7 points and 7.2 assists per game this season. Buddy Hield has been excellent from the deep and has been shooting nearly 45% from the field in his last ten games. 

The Kings will likely play without Hassan Whiteside (knee) as he is listed questionable for the Lakers game. Additionally, Marvin Bagley III will be unavailable too. 

Possible Lineup

De’Aaron Fox (G)

Tyrese Haliburton (G) 

Buddy Hield (F) 

Harrison Barnes (F) 

Richaun Holmes (C) 

Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers are in dire straits at the moment. The team is visibly struggling due to the extended absence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers are 5-5 in their last ten games, averaging 107.4 points, 44.3 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 8.1 steals, and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field.

LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Jared Dudley are confirmed to miss the game due to injuries. Moreover, Andre Drummond and Wesley Matthews are likely to join the trio as they both are placed on the day-to-day list. 

Possible Lineup

Dennis Schroder (G) 

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (G) 

Kyle Kuzma (F) 

Markieff Morris (F)

Marc Gasol (C) 

Prediction

If things go well from the tip-off, the Lakers have a better chance of winning against the Kings. However, it is quite an even game on paper considering the Los Angeles Lakers won’t have two of their best players on the court. 

The Kings’ vibrant lineup has been successful in getting them crucial wins this season, and they have every chance of getting past the Lakers once again. 

However, the reason why we’re predicting that the Lakers will win on Friday is because of the Kings’ ineffective defense. The Kings have the worst defensive rating in the league, and this is where the Lakers can exploit them and win the game! 

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