Lakers vs Clippers: Injury Updates on LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Match Preview & Predictions

Fixture: Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers

Date & Time: Wednesday, 25 December 2019 (8:00 PM ET)

Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles.

Preview-

Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers will be the fixture of the NBA Christmas day matches.

The Lakers, for the first time in the season, are experiencing defeat for an extended period. The fact that three losses feels like an extended run shows the level of dominance that the Lakers have shown this season. In spite of those defeats, the Lakers are still on top of the Western Conference table with a win-loss record of 24-6. Their attempt to avoid a fourth consecutive defeat would not be an easy one facing their local rivals.

The Clippers stand fifth in a tight Western Conference with win-loss record of 22-10. They had beaten the Lakers on the opening night of the season, and will want to put up a similar performance. They have won only two of their last five games, and will look to step up on the big night.

LeBron James & Anthony Davis expected to play-

A few concerned eyebrows were raised when LeBron James had missed his first match of the season. A few more when in the same match, Anthony Davis, walked away holding his knee. However, it it now reported that the duo will be available on Christmas.

Also, the star duo in the opposing camp, of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, will add to the beauty of the contest.

Expected starting line-up:

Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Danny Green, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, JaVale McGee

Los Angeles Clippers: Kawhi Leonard, Maurice Harkless, Paul George, Ivica Zubac, Patrick Beverley

Predictions-

The Lakers have had their weaknesses exposed in the last few games. With defences becoming more and more aware, the Lakers cannot just depend on their two star players. For the Clippers, they have a wider range of players contributing to the scoring. Apart from Kawhi and George, Patrick Beverley has been scoring a few points, and the likes of Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams have also been influential off the bench. This aspect can make Clippers slight favourites on Wednesday in what is expected to be an extremely tight contest.