Lakers vs Warriors injury report: Predicted Lineups for Game 5 Western Conference semi-finals (May 10, 2023), and more
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors, two NBA heavyweights, are gearing up for Game 5 on Wednesday. Injury reports will play a major role in everything, especially with their hopes of reaching the Western Conference finals. Both teams are working extremely hard to prepare for a crucial match.
The Lakers have set themselves up for success to eliminate the defending NBA champions and advance further in the playoffs after their thrilling Game 4 victory. However, they face an intimidating mission ahead—winning on another team's court and facing fans fervent about extending the Warriors' supremacy.
Since LeBron returned to the starting lineup, the Lakers are 14-4 (78 W%) - best in the league in that span - and are undefeated at home.
They have an average margin of +7.2 points/game.
Projected Starting Lineups and Injury Report: A Closer look at the Lakers vs Warriors' key players
LeBron James and Anthony Davis, two of the Lakers' key players, are both listed as probable injured players on the team's injury report. While Davis has a stress injury to his right foot, James is experiencing right foot pain. Due to the soreness in his left ankle, Mo Bamba is a questionable player for Game 5.
Patrick Baldwin Jr. (toe), Andre Iguodala (wrist), and Ryan Hollins (foot) will be unavailable for the Warriors. However, the Warriors are used to these players being absent because they haven't played in a while.
“When you play Golden State you can’t relax.” LeBron James expects the Warriors to come out strong in Game 5 in San Francisco. https://t.co/7dUl0ZbFSw
Taking a closer look at the projected starting lineups, the dynamic duo of D’Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves provided stability and playmaking in the backcourt. Davis's presence at the center gave the team a dominant force in the paint, while Jarred Vanderbilt and LeBron James added versatility and scoring ability from the forward positions.
Projected starting lineup for the Lakers:
- Guard: D’Angelo Russell
- Guard: Austin Reaves
- Center: Anthony Davis
- Forward: Jarred Vanderbilt
- Forward: LeBron James
The Golden State Warriors, on the other hand, relied on the backcourt players Steph Curry and Klay Thompson's exceptional shooting abilities. The team benefitted from Raymond Green's playmaking skills and tenacious defense as an anchor at center. Gary Payton II and Andrew Wiggins, who scored well while playing tough defense, contributed to this, amplifying it.
Projected starting lineup for the Warriors:
- Guard: Stephen Curry
- Guard: Klay Thompson
- Center: Draymond Green
- Forward: Gary Payton II
- Forward: Andrew Wiggins
Fans are eagerly anticipating a face-off between two of the best teams in basketball—the Lakers and the Warriors—as they gear up for an intense showdown.