Here is what you need to know before the Lakers return to Los Angeles to face the Denver Nuggets.
1)
The Lakers are hoping to get D’Angelo Russell back after he missed the past three games with a mild MCL sprain in his right knee and a strained right calf. Russell — who is listed as questionable — has been crucial for the Lakers, who are just 3-13 in games he has missed this year.
2)
Regardless of Russell’s status, the coaching staff will have a hole to fill in the starting lineup, as Julius Randle will miss his second straight game due to a case of pneumonia. Tarik Black started the last contest in place of Randle, who has been cleared to return to basketball activities and could play in Thursday’s game.
3)
Rookie Ivica Zubac has been rewarding his coaches for increased playing time, as he has tallied a double-double in all three games in which he has played at least 20 minutes. In his last appearance on Thursday, the 19-year-old provided a career-high 16 points and 10 rebounds, though L.A. fell to Utah, 96-88.
4)
The Lakers have been cashing in at the foul line lately, missing just one free throw in each of their last two games for a 25-of-27 combined mark. Lou Williams has been especially reliable at the stripe, hitting 33 of his last 34 free throws.
5)
These teams met up just two weeks ago for a shootout that saw the Nuggets leave Los Angeles with a 127-121 victory. Despite 24 points from Williams and a Zubac double-double, Denver’s offense was too potent with Nikola Jokic’s 29-point, 15-rebound outing setting the tone.
6)
However, the Nuggets will likely be without Jokic this time around, as he is listed as doubtful due to a hip flexor strain. Meanwhile, fellow young talents Emmanuel Mudiay (low back pain) and Jamal Murray (illness) are considered questionable.
7)
The trio of Jokic, Mudiay and Murray is especially valuable to the Nuggets considering that all three players were selected to this year’s Rising Stars Challenge, putting Denver in a tie with Philadelphia for the most representatives of any team. Meanwhile, the Lakers will also have a pair of youngsters at All-Star Weekend, as Russell and Brandon Ingram were chosen to play on the U.S. Team while each Nugget will suit up for the World Team.
8)
With a 21-25 record, the Nuggets are currently in line for the eighth and final playoff seed in the Western Conference. They hold a 1.5-game lead on Portland in their quest to make the postseason for the first time since 2013.
9)
Despite having zero players among the NBA’s top 40 in individual scoring, the Nuggets still boast one of the NBA’s most explosive offenses. Thanks in part to its up-tempo style, Denver averages the league’s third-most points per game (110.3) and has scored triple figures in 20 of its last 21 games.
10)
Denver’s leader on that end is veteran wing Danilo Gallinari, who leads the team in scoring with 17.3 points per contest. The former Italian League MVP went off for a season-high 32 points in efficient style during Saturday’s win over Phoenix, shooting 9-of-13 from the field and 11-of-11 on free throws.
Injury Report
Lakers: Larry Nance Jr. (bone bruise, left knee) is probable. D’Angelo Russell (mild MCL sprain, right knee; strained right calf) is questionable. Julius Randle (pneumonia) is out.
Nuggets: Kenneth Faried (left hamstring soreness) and Wilson Chandler (right neck/shoulder pain) are probable. Emmanuel Mudiay (low back pain) and Jamal Murray (illness) are questionable. Nikola Jokic (left hip flexor strain) is doubtful.
Tip-Off: 7:30 p.m. PT
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