Preview: San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers – Game #8
DeMar DeRozan leads the Spurs in scoring at 19.1 points per game (Photo via Twitter)
Is the third time the charm? The San Antonio Spurs will play the Los Angeles Lakers for the third time in five games on Thursday night. So far, the Spurs haven’t been able to notch a victory against the defending NBA champions. They lost the first game 121-107 and the second one 109-103.
The first two games were in San Antonio, while this contest will be in Los Angeles. The good news for the Spurs is that, due to the COVID-19-related restrictions on fans, home court advantage doesn’t exist right now.
San Antonio’s four-day visit to Los Angeles has been a productive one thus far. In their last game, they defeated the Clippers by a final count of 116-113, thanks to strong play from Patty Mills and Dejounte Murray among others.
San Antonio Spurs Injury Update
After being listed as questionable for four straight games, LaMarcus Aldridge is off of the injury report. Aldridge was able to play against the Clippers on Tuesday. In 25 minutes, the 35-year-old had 14 points, six rebounds and two assists, while shooting 6-for-16 from the field and 2-for-6 from three-point range.
Derrick White, who re-injured the second toe on his left foot in his first game back, remains out for an indefinite period of time for San Antonio.
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Update
The Lakers have three players listed as questionable: LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Kantavious Caldwell-Pope. Before Spurs fans get too excited, it must be noted that James was listed as questionable prior to the last two games against the Spurs and he ended up suiting up in both contests.
Alex Caruso has been sidelined recently due to COVID-19 protocols but he is expected to be back tonight. He didn’t play in either of the first two games against San Antonio.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
With Aldridge back and White out for a while, the starting lineup should remain the same for the foreseeable future. Next to Aldridge, the Spurs have a starting five of Dejounte Murray, Lonnie Walker IV, DeMar DeRozan and Keldon Johnson.
Jakob Poeltl, who started for the Spurs when Aldridge was sidelined with a sore left knee, returns to a bench role.
Spurs at Lakers: How the Spurs Can Win
It’d be helpful if either James or Davis gets the day off. If both superstars end up playing, the Spurs will need to rebound well and find ways to score in the paint against L.A.’s length and athleticism. San Antonio also needs to defend the three-point line better than they did in either of the first two contests.