LA Lakers vs Miami Heat predicted starting lineups and depth chart for Dec. 4 | 2024-25 NBA Season
The LA Lakers (12-9) continue their four-game road trip with a stop on the East Coast to take on the Miami Heat (9-10) at the Kaseya Center on Wednesday. Both teams, eager to bounce back from recent setbacks, are feeling the pressure as the league standings begin to tighten.
LA Lakers vs Miami Heat Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Dec.4
LA Lakers Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart
The fitness of Austin Reaves remains a key concern for the Lakers as he missed the last two games due to a pelvic injury. He is listed as questionable for Wednesday's game, along with Jalen Hood-Schifino (groin).
Meanwhile, Anthony Davis is listed as probable due to left foot plantar fasciitis. And then the likes of Bronny James (heel) and Jarred Vanderbilt (knee) remain sidelined alongside longtime absentees Jaxon Hayes and Christian Wood.
If Reaves doesn't suit up for this game, Reddick will likely opt for the same lineup as the last game ft. Anthony Davis, Rui Hachimura, LeBron James, D'Angelo Russell and Dalton Knecht.
Miami Heat Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart
The Heat, meanwhile, face their own challenges with injuries. Nikola Jovic is still nursing an ankle injury and will miss this game.
Jimmy Butler (knee), Kevin Love (back) and Josh Richardson (illness) all remain doubtful for the game listing questionable on the report.
Barring any changes, the Heat's likely starters for Wednesday seem to be Duncan Robinson, Haywood Highsmith, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr.
Games between the Lakers and the Heat have traditionally been thrilling encounters. This will be the first meeting between the two non-conference teams this season. Last season, both won one game each.
The Lakers (12-9) have been struggling. After a strong start to the season, JJ Redick’s men have hit a rough patch, with five defeats and just two wins in their last seven games.
Their most recent outing ended in a humbling 109-80 defeat to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite having quality players, their underwhelming performances have raised questions about their ability to mount a sustained challenge, making Wednesday’s matchup all the more crucial.
On the other hand, the Heats (9-10) season has been a mixed bag. Victories against the Sixers, Mavericks and Hornets suggested a potential turnaround, but a loss to the Raptors and then the Celtics have put a dent in their momentum.
Despite Tyler Herro's hot start to the season, the team is struggling with inconsistency, and injuries to key players including Jimmy Butle. Fans will hope Butler can suit up against the Lakers.