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Will LeBron James & Anthony Davis Play Tonight? Los Angeles Lakers vs Washington Wizards: Injury Updates, Expected Lineups, and Game Prediction

Published 02/21/2021, 10:49 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Lakers’ dismal form continued as they suffered their third loss of the week against the Heat. They now have a record of 22 wins and 10 losses and are the third seed in the Western Conference.

The Wizards, meanwhile, have been in electrifying form as they won their fourth game in a row against the Blazers. With this form, they now have a record of 10 wins and 17 losses and are the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference.

The Lakers face off against the Wizards tonight at 10:00 PM EST. Let’s take a look at the probable lineups and the predictions ahead of the game.

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Washington Wizards injury update and lineup prediction

The Wizards defeated the in-form Trail Blazers team 118-111 for their tenth victory of the season. This was their fourth victory in a row, and this form has seen them climb up to the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference.

Much of it has been because of the phenomenal form of Bradley Beal who is averaging 33.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists for the last four games. Even Russell Westbrook has been great in the last four games, averaging 17.0 points, 12.8 assists and 11.5 rebounds triple-double per game.

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USA Today via Reuters

However, the Wizards are plagued by some injury concerns. Center Thomas Bryant is out for the season with a torn ACL. Guard Ish Smith is out for at least two months as he recovers from a quadriceps injury. Forward Anthony Gill is also out with an illness.

The Wizards are in blazing form going into their next game against the Lakers. Given the injury woes the Lakers have, the Wizards will look to have an upset victory over the defending champions.

Probable Lineup

Bradley Beal (G)

Russell Westbrook (G)

Rui Hachimura (F)

Garrison Matthews (F)

Mo Wagner (C)

Los Angeles Lakers- Injury updates and lineup prediction

The Lakers suffered from their second defeat in a row, as the Miami Heat defeated them 96-94. This was their third loss in their last five games. Their disappointing form has been due to the missing duo of Dennis Schroder and Anthony Davis.

Without AD and Schroder, the Lakers have a significant hole in the offensive and the defensive end and have overtly depended on the 36-year-old LeBron James. With an underperforming supporting cast, the Lakers’ form has dipped.

USA Today via Reuters

They have some injury concerns for their upcoming game. Kostas Antetokounmpo is out with a knee injury. Superstar Anthony Davis is also sidelined as he recovers from an Achilles’ tendonosis injury. Starting guard Dennis Schroder is out due to the health and safety protocols. Forward Markieff Morris is questionable as he recovers from an ankle injury.

The Lakers will be keen on getting back to winning ways against the in-form Wizards, after two disappointing losses to the Nets and the Heat.

Probable Lineup

Wesely Matthews (G)

Kentavious Caldwell Pope (G)

LeBron James (F)

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Kyle Kuzma (F)

Marc Gasol (C)

Predictions

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The Lakers might be short-handed with injuries to Dennis Schroder and Anthony Davis, but they will be keen to snap off their two-game losing streak.

They will face a formidable Wizards side, who have finally found some form. Given that the defending champions still have the necessary depth against the Wizards, they have a slight edge going into this game.

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Written by:

Aditya Mohapatra

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Aditya Mohapatra is a sports enthusiast who primarily covers the NBA for EssentiallySports. Having graduated in Mass Communication, he has prior experience in writing for ABP News, and has been writing for EssentiallySports since November 2020. This die-hard Los Angeles Lakers fan feels that LeBron James is the best thing to have ever happened to the NBA, and will hold a healthy debate with anyone suggesting otherwise.
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