4-time NBA MVP LeBron James stays questionable for the LA Lakers on the second night time of a back-to-back towards the San Antonio Spurs. After lacking the earlier 5 video games, James returned final night time and helped the Lakers beat the Spurs.
“King James” performed 33 minutes, exhibiting no indicators of the left adductor pressure that beforehand stored him out of the Lakers lineup. He completed with 21 factors, eight rebounds, 5 assists and three steals. LA outscored San Antonio by 16 factors when the 18x NBA All-Star was on the ground.
After the sport, LeBron James informed the media that he felt “fairly good.” He was just a bit ticked off that he dedicated a game-high 9 turnovers. The Lakers celebrity blamed the break day as the explanation for the miscues, saying he didn’t have his regular rhythm along with his passes.
The Lakers will see how he’s feeling after the morning shoot-around and go from there. James, although, informed the media that “there’s a robust likelihood” he’ll play even when it’s a back-to-back as he has not performed in two weeks.
In the meantime, former NBA champ Fred VanVleet has been upgraded to questionable by the Toronto Raptors. The purpose guard didn’t play final Wednesday towards the Brooklyn Nets on account of a non-Covid associated sickness.
VanVleet, nonetheless, was a full participant within the Raptors’ most up-to-date follow, giving the group hope that he might return tonight versus the Dallas Mavericks. The Raptors, who’re on a two-game slide, will want VanVleet’s presence to finish the shedding streak.
“Regular Freddy” is averaging 18 factors to go together with career-highs in assists (6.8) and steals (1.9) in 12 video games for the Raptors. With out Pascal Siakam and with Scottie Barnes out and in of the lineup, VanVleet has been extra aggressive in latest video games.
Malachi Flynn might begin once more for the Toronto Raptors if Fred VanVleet stays sidelined.
Pascal Siakam: Proper adductor pressure; Injured since November 4, 2022
The 2018-19 NBA Most Improved Participant winner Pascal Siakam has already missed the Toronto Raptors’ final 9 video games. He has been coping with a proper adductor pressure however has responded to the remedy. Siakam was reportedly a full follow participant final Friday.
The Raptors, nonetheless, will proceed to be additional cautious with the 2019 NBA champ. He’s already cleared for contact in follow and can proceed ramping up his conditioning. Siakam is predicted to return subsequent week.
Earlier than the damage, “Spicy P” was taking part in the most effective basketball of his profession. He’s having career-high numbers in scoring (24.8), rebounding (9.3) and assists (7.7).
The injury-riddled Toronto Raptors might certainly use these stats as they attempt to maintain their heads above water.
Scottie Barnes: Left knee sprain; Injured since November 19, 2022
Reigning NBA Rookie of the 12 months winner Scottie Barnes is coping with a left knee sprain. He suffered the damage towards the Atlanta Hawks final November 19, which pressured him to overlook final Wednesday’s recreation versus the Brooklyn Nets.
Barnes will now miss his second straight recreation as he has been dominated out when Toronto hosts Dallas tonight. The previous Florida State standout’s absence will trigger extra complications for coach Nick Nurse. Toronto won’t have the providers of Pascal Siakam, Treasured Achiuwa, Otto Porter Jr. and others.
Scottie Barnes might return on Monday when the Toronto Raptors host the Cleveland Cavaliers.
