As the Los Angeles Lakers sit five games above .500 at the midway point of their season, they face a crucial stretch with six consecutive road games on the horizon. This makes Thursday night’s nationally televised home game against the defending NBA champions, the Boston Celtics, even more significant.
Los Angeles Lakers
Recent Performance: The Lakers, who were struggling with four losses in six games, managed to regain their footing with a dominant 111-88 victory over the NBA-worst Washington Wizards on Tuesday. The 23-point margin of victory was the largest for Los Angeles this season.
Key Players:
- Anthony Davis: Davis delivered a strong performance with 29 points and 16 rebounds against Washington.
- LeBron James: James recorded his ninth triple-double of the season, contributing 21 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds. Despite his recent criticism of the Lakers’ roster, James found everything to his liking in the win over the Wizards.
Supporting Player:
- Austin Reaves: Reaves has averaged 15 points over the last two games since scoring a career-high 38 points in a 102-101 home win against the Brooklyn Nets.
Injury Report:
- LeBron James (foot): Listed as probable.
- Anthony Davis (calf): Listed as probable.
Boston Celtics
Recent Performance: The Celtics, playing the third game of a four-game road trip, are coming off a 117-113 overtime win against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. They opened the trip with a 125-85 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Monday. Before their West Coast wins, Boston had dropped four of seven games.
Key Players:
- Jaylen Brown: Brown scored 25 points in the win against the Clippers.
- Jayson Tatum: Tatum added 24 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
- Derrick White: White contributed 20 points.
Supporting Player:
- Sam Hauser: Hauser, along with Tatum and White, combined for 13 of the Celtics’ 19 3-point baskets.
Injury Report:
- Jrue Holiday (shoulder): Likely to be available.
- Kristaps Porzingis (illness): Likely to be available.
- Al Horford (toe): Likely to be available.
Additional Contributions:
- Jaden Springer: Springer made a solid contribution with season highs of 20 minutes, eight points, and four steals, including two crucial 3-pointers in overtime.
Historical Context:
The Lakers and Celtics are meeting for the first of two times this season. They split their two matchups last season, and Thursday’s game will be a continuation of one of the NBA’s most storied rivalries.
This high-stakes game will see the Lakers trying to capitalize on their home-court advantage and build momentum before their road stretch, while the Celtics aim to maintain their winning form on the West Coast.
