The Los Angeles Lakers are on the road on Tuesday night as they travel to take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals.
Los Angeles enters Tuesday’s game coming off a victory in Game 6 of their first-round series against the Houston Rockets on the road on Friday night to secure their spot in the second round.
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In Friday’s victory over the Rockets, LeBron James led the way for the Lakers as he recorded 28 points, seven rebounds and eight assists while Rui Hachimura added 21 points and six rebounds of his own.
Now Los Angeles will try to steal a victory on the road in Game 1 over the Thunder on Tuesday night as they look to grab a 1-0 series lead.
On the other side, the Thunder enter Tuesday’s contest coming off a victory on the road over the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of their first-round series last Monday to complete the series sweep.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way for the Thunder in Monday’s victory as he ended the game with 31 points and eight assists while Chet Holmgren recorded 24 points, 12 rebounds and three assists.
While both teams are looking to pick up a victory in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Tuesday night, both squads may be without one of their star players due to injury.
Lakers Injury Report: Will Luka Doncic Play?
For the Lakers, they have only one player listed on their injury report as they have ruled out star guard Luka Doncic.
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Los Angeles has ruled out Doncic due to a left hamstring strain that has sidelined to him to begin the playoff and there is still no timetable for his return, though the Lakers are hoping that he will be able to return at some point during the second round.
With Doncic still sidelined, Marcus Smart, Hachimura and Luke Kennard could all continue to have increased roles while the Lakers will likely rely on James and Austin Reaves to carry the load offensively.
Thunder Injury Report: Will Jalen Williams Play?
On the other side, the Thunder have two players listed on their injury report, including star forward Jalen Williams.
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Oklahoma City has ruled out Williams due to a Grade 1 left hamstring strain that he suffered in Game 2 of their first-round series against the Suns as he will miss his third straight game and he is considered week-to-week with the injury.
With Williams still sidelined, Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace and Aaron Wiggins could all continue to have increased roles.
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The Thunder have also ruled out Thomas Sorber as he remains sidelined while recovering from a torn ACL.
Fans can catch Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals between the Lakers and Thunder from Oklahoma City on Tuesday night at 8:30 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock.
