USA Today via Reuters
Feb 10, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) during the overtime period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 10, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) controls the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) during the overtime period at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The Miami Heat will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Saturday night. The 2019-20 finalists will collide at 8:30 PM EST.
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In their last game, the purple and gold were handed an embarrassing defeat by the Nets. However, they still have a handsome record of 22-8 and are seated comfortably at the second position in the west. In this game, they will look to regain their victorious touch.
On the other hand, the Heat have struggled to find their groove all season. With the All-Star break approaching soon, Miami is 11th in the East, winning just 12 out of their 29 fixtures so far.
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Which team will be victorious in this clash?
Los Angeles Lakers injury updates and predicted lineup
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 18, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defended b y Brooklyn Nets forward Jeff Green (8) during the third quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
LeBron James will be the key player for the purple and gold in the absence of their second superstar, Anthony Davis. Apart from AD, guard Dennis Schroder is listed out as well. This will mark Schroder’s second consecutive absence because of the COVID-19 protocols.
Keeping the injuries in mind, the expected lineup for LA is Wesley Matthews (G), Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (G), LeBron James (F), Kyle Kuzma (F), and Marc Gasol (C).
Miami Heat injury updates and predicted lineup
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 23, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) dribbles the ball as center Bam Adebayo (13) runs a pick against Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (middle) during the second half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
The first half of the season has been a rollercoaster ride for the Heat. Due to several injury issues, Miami hasn’t been able to get a long winning streak this season. This explains their current position in the league.
For the Lakers game, veteran guard Goran Dragic will remain sidelined due to an ankle sprain.
So, the expected lineup for the Miami Heat is Kendrick Nunn (G), Duncan Robinson (G), Jimmy Butler (F), Kelly Olynyk (F), and Bam Adebayo (C).
Game prediction
With both sides’ lineup depleted because of injuries, the matchup could go either way. However, the Lakers still have a slight edge over the Heat.
