Miami Heat vs LA Lakers Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Jan. 15 | 2024-25 NBA Season
The Miami Heat face the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday. This will be the second and final meeting between these two teams this season. On Dec. 4, the Heat scored a dominant 134-93 win over the Lakers in Miami.
The Heat are currently in seventh place in the Eastern Conference by virtue of their 20-18 record. Miami had a three-game winning streak going before the Los Angeles Clippers dealt them a 109-98 loss on Monday.
The Lakers, who have a 20-17 record heading into this game, are also in seventh place in the Western Conference. After two of their recent home games were postponed due to the LA wildfires, they lost to the San Antonio Spurs 126-102 at Crypto.com Arena.
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers: Injury report
Miami Heat injury report
Bam Adebayo (back) has been ruled as questionable for Wednesday's game against the Lakers. It remains to be seen whether Josh Richardson will suit up, though he missed the Heat's last two games due to a heel injury.
Dru Smith (Achilles) has been ruled out for the season, while Jimmy Butler is serving the final game of his seven-game suspension due to conduct deemed detrimental to the team.
Los Angeles Lakers injury report
LeBron James (foot injury management) and Anthony Davis (heel) have been deemed probable in the game versus Miami. Bronny James (illness) is questionable, while Dorian Finney-Smith is doubtful due to personal reasons.
Meanwhile, the following players have been ruled out of the game: Jalen Hood-Schifino (hamstring), Jarred Vanderbilt (recovery from foot surgery), and Christian Wood (recovery from knee surgery).
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers: Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart
Miami Heat
Los Angeles Lakers
Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers: Key matchups
Tyler Herro vs. Austin Reaves
The point guard matchup is an exciting showcase between two skilled scorers. Herro is averaging 40.3% from distance this season, while Reaves has shown time and time again that he has the clutch gene.
Kevin Love vs. Anthony Davis
In a battle of LeBron James' past and present frontcourt teammates, Love will have his handful against the generational talent of Davis. Still, Love may have a few tricks up his sleeve against the multitalented "AD".