The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Suns in Phoenix on Friday night in their official opening game of the NBA In-Season Tournament. When these two teams faced off previously, the Lake Show prevailed over a demoralised Phoenix squad.
Things are a little different in the lead-up to this Friday night game. The Lakers’ 2023–24 season has been severely hindered by injuries, and the Suns only recently welcomed back Bradley Beal on Wednesday. The Lakers seemed destined to struggle after Anthony Davis missed Wednesday’s game.
Fans should feel much better about LA’s chances of winning this game, though, after learning of the most recent injury updates for both teams.
For the Lakers vs. Suns game, Anthony Davis receives a positive injury update.
Prior to Friday night, Davis, who was initially deemed questionable following his absence from the game on Wednesday, had his status changed to probable. This is very encouraging for AD, who, barring any unforeseen circumstances, ought to be playing in this match.
After initially sustaining the injury on Monday, Davis declared that he would play on Wednesday. Even though it did not work out in the end, this indicates that Davis’ injury is not serious and that he can play with a level of recovery that is as close to 100% as possible.
In this game, the Lakers gain from more than just that injury update.
Devin Booker will miss the Lakers vs. Suns game.
Although Beal returned to Phoenix on Wednesday, the team has yet to be able to play as the new big three together this season. Due to a calf injury that he has been dealing with all season, Devin Booker was officially ruled out of Friday’s game.
After playing on Wednesday, Beal is listed as probable; while that helps Phoenix, the Lakers gain from Beal starting over Booker. While Booker has the ability to win the game for the Suns on his own, Beal appeared to be dealing with a reduced workload during his season debut and is still not fully recovered.
Due to their individual injuries, Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent are still sidelined for the Lakers. However, Vando is due for another evaluation on Friday.