The Golden State Warriors are finishing off their six-game road trip tonight with a huge game, as they pay a visit to their Southern California rivals, facing the Los Angeles Lakers at 7:00 p.m. PT on TNT.
It’s a huge game. Not only is it a potential preview of a first-round playoff series later this month, but it has huge implications in the standings. With a win, the Warriors would pull to within a game of the Lakers … but with a loss, the Warriors will drop at least one spot in the standings, and potentially two or three.
And while the Lakers have beat the Warriors in all three of their matchups so far this year, it’s the first showdown between the teams since Luka Dončić and Jimmy Butler III entered the fold. And thankfully, both teams are fairly healthy.
Here’s the full injury report.
Warriors
Out — Gary Payton II (left thumb ligament partial tear)
This is Payton’s fourth consecutive absence since being ruled out indefinitely, and his defense on Dončić will be sorely missed. Thankfully he should be back soon, as the Warriors are listing him as day-to-day going forward.
Questionable — Jonathan Kuminga (right pelvic contusion)
Kuminga looks likely to miss his second straight game after a nasty fall on Sunday. Getting him healthy and in a good rhythm by the playoffs has to be one of the team’s biggest priorities right now.
Lakers
Out — Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery)
Kleber has yet to make his Lakers debut, after coming over in the Dončić trade. But he hasn’t been ruled out for the year, so he could be on the court at some point for the purple and gold this season.
Probable — LeBron James (left groin strain)
James may be officially listed as probable, but it’s a home game against Steph Curry and Draymond Green with huge playoff implications. It will be an absolute shocker if he doesn’t play.
Enjoy the action, Dub Nation!