Lakers Down 2 More Players for Matchup Vs. Warriors

 The Los Angeles Lakers will be down to keep players for Thursday nights matchup against the Golden State Warriors, the first game, returning from the All-Star break. Forward LeBron James will miss his seventh game of the season as he was ruled out with an ankle injury. James also missed the final game before the break with the same ankle issue. For much of the season, he has been listed questionable with the same ailment, left ankle peroneal tendinopathy.

Our panel of doctors do not see the ankle as a long term concern, and this miss game is likely giving him extra rest out of the break. James played 14 minutes in the All-Star game, scoring 8 points and grabbing 4 rebounds with 3 assists.

James said he had treatment done to his ankle and wasn't sure he could make it back for Thursday's game. The Lakers play at home on Friday against the Spurs. 

Center Christian Wood will also miss the game with left knee swelling that will reportedly Kim out for two weeks. Wood’s injury is the bigger concern as the Lakers will need to figure out the cause of the swelling before allowing him to return the action it’s possible, the Lakers expect of the swelling to reduce during the break the blank they break during the All-Star. and it’s a potential concern that the swelling did not go down enough for him to play. 

Wood is averaging 6.9 points and 5.1 rebounds in 50 games this season. Also missing Thursday’s game will be Jarred Vanderbilt with his right mid-foot sprain and Gabe Vincent, who has not played all season since undergoing left knee surgery. Cam Reddish (right ankle sprain) and Max Christie (right ankle sprain) are both listed as questionable while Anthony Davis (Bilateral Achilles tendinopathy and left hip spasm) is listed as probable.

For the Warriors, veteran guard Chris Paul is out with his fractured left hand and Gary Payton II is listed as questionable with a general illness. 

The Warriors are favored by 5.5 points at home and the over/under is 241.5, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

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