LA Lakers vs Indiana Pacers Injury Reports for March 29
The LA Lakers and Indiana Pacers square off on Friday night for the final time this season. The Lakers and Pacers have met twice, with the Purple and Gold emerging victorious on both occasions. The LA Lakers and Indiana Pacers are set to play in their final game of the season, with both teams having previously won twice. The Lakers' injury reports include LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who are both questionable with ankle and Achilles injuries, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood and Gabe Vincent. The Pacers' injury is more severe than the Lakers', with Pascal Siakam's inclusion on the frontcourt helping them. Despite this, the Lakers are considered underdogs due to their injury situation. The only injury absence is Mathurin Benedict, who is out for the season with a right shoulder labral tear. Veteran point guard Gabe Vincent is expected to return on the LA Lakers' road trip.
Published : 4 weeks ago by Arhaan Raje in Sports
The LA Lakers and Indiana Pacers square off on Friday night for the final time this season. The Lakers and Pacers have met twice, with the Purple and Gold emerging victorious on both occasions. The first was the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament's Final in December, and the second was their most recent matchup on Sunday.
Anthony Davis has been decisive in those contests. The Lakers star center had 36 points and 16 rebounds in Monday's 150-145 win and a 41/20/5 game in the In-Season Tournament Finals' 123-109 win.
The Lakers nearly got edged last game in the clutch. Indiana seemed better equipped this time with Pascal Siakam's inclusion on the frontcourt alongside Myles Turner. Indiana had several moments where it gave the Lakers' frontline of LeBron James, Rui Hachimura and Anthony Davis a run for their money.
The Lakers and Pacers game could be decided by respective roster health. The Lakers enter Friday's contest as the underdogs despite dominating the Pacers in their previous two outings because of their injury situation. The Pacers, meanwhile, are doing much better in that regard.
Here's a look at the Lakers and Pacers' injury reports:
The Lakers' injury report includes LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who are both questionable with ankle and Achilles injuries. Meanwhile, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Jarred Vanderbilt, Christian Wood and Gabe Vincent are out.
Hood-Schifino is dealing with a back injury, while Vanderbilt has a foot ailment. Wood and Vincent are recovering from knee surgeries.
Mathurin Benedict remains the only injury absence for the Pacers. He's out for the season with a right shoulder labral tear.
The LA Lakers can get some relief on the injury front as veteran point guard Gabe Vincent could return on their road trip. Vincent has played only five games this season after signing for LA in free agency. He's viewed as a crucial piece because of his ability to defend the smaller and quicker guards whom the Lakers have struggled against this year.
Vincent also bolsters the backcourt depth as an additional ball-handler off the bench and a respectable 3-point shooter. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the former Heat guard could return as early as Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets.
Also read: LA Lakers vs Indiana Pacers: Prediction and Betting Tips | March 29, 2024
Topics: Basketball, NBA, Los Angeles Lakers, Indiana Pacers