USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Dario Saric during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (right) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns forward Dario Saric during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Lakers won a playoff game at the Staples Center after a gap of almost nine years on Thursday night. The last time they did it was under the leadership of Kobe Bryant in 2012 when they had lost the conference semis to Kevin Durant’s OKC.
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In Game 3, the LA-based franchise comfortably defeated the Suns 109-95 and took an important lead in round 1. Forward Anthony Davis bettered his performance from Game 2 while the role players joined in. And now that the Lakers are about to host their second game, what can one expect?
Lakers vs Suns: Injury updates and lineup prediction
USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Anthony Davis slam dunks at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
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For the Lake Show, Anthony Davis is on the injury list because of his knee soreness. However, the star forward recently said, “there’s no chance that I don’t play” to make that mention obsolete.
Next, they also have guard Kentavious-Caldwell Pope (knee) as questionable and a day-to-day decision.
Probable starting five: Anthony Davis (F), LeBron James (F), Andre Drummond (C), Dennis Schroder (G), and Alex Caruso (G)
For the Suns, Chris Paul is still on the injured list with his shoulder injury, but he is questionable for Game 4. Apart from him, small forward Abdel Nader is out because of a knee injury.
Possible starting lineup – Mikal Bridges (F), Jae Crowder (F), DeAndre Ayton (C), Devin Booker (G), and Chris Paul (G)
Read More – ‘Free Pass’: Stephen A. Smith Tags LeBron James and Lakers as Lucky as Chris Paul is Injured
Who wins?
The Lakers’ bench, which struggled heavily in Game 2, showed some resilience in Game 3 with Kyle Kuzma registering 10 rebounds. However, it is the top four in the starting five that have contributed the most until now.
Dennis Schroder had 58 points in the last three matches, and he’s getting more efficient with each passing game.
But on the downside, Kentavious-Caldwell-Pope has been a disaster, averaging just 4 points at 23.5% field shooting. Meanwhile, for the Suns, DeAndre Ayton is playing like the most improved playoff player, averaging 21.7 points at 82.1% FG in his debut postseason.
Add Devin Booker into the mix and the Suns are actually soaring. The only problem for them is an injured Chris Paul who is taking fewer shot attempts and also restricting his movement.
So, considering it’s the Staples Center and CP3 is yet not 100% fit, we predict a Lakers victory.
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