Copyright Athlon Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers are on the road on Saturday night as they travel to take on the Atlanta Hawks in an interconference matchup. Los Angeles has had a strong start to the season as they enter Saturday’s game with a 7-2 record after defeating the San Antonio Spurs at home on Wednesday night. In Wednesday’s victory over the Spurs, Luka Doncic led the way for the Lakers as he recorded 35 points, nine rebounds, 13 assists and five steals while Deandre Ayton added 22 points and 10 rebounds of his own. Now the Lakers will try to pick up their eighth victory of the season in Saturday’s matchup against the Hawks. On the other side, the Hawks enter Saturday’s contest with a 4-5 after losing to the Toronto Raptors at home on Friday night. Jalen Johnson led the way for Atlanta in Friday’s loss as he ended the game with 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Nickeil Alexander-Walker recorded 20 points and three assists. While both teams are looking to grab a key victory in Saturday’s matchup, both squads may be without multiple key players due to injuries. Lakers Injury Report, Will Austin Reaves, LeBron James Play? For the Lakers, they enter Saturday’s game with five players listed on their injury report, including both Austin Reaves and LeBron James. Los Angeles has ruled out Reaves for Saturday’s matchup due to a right groin strain as he will miss his third consecutive game. With Reaves sidelined, Dalton Knecht, Jake LaRavia and Bronny James may all be in line for larger roles against the Hawks. The Lakers have also ruled out LeBron as he continues to be sidelined due to right sciatica, though ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Thursday that he has been cleared for contact and will be re-evaluated in two weeks. This is massive news for the Lakers as it appears as though LeBron is nearing a return, which would be a massive boost for their lineup. Los Angeles has also ruled out Gabe Vincent and Adou Thiero for Saturday’s game while Maxi Kleber is listed as questionable due to an abdominal muscle strain. Hawks Injury Report, Will Trae Young, Kristaps Porzingis Play? On the other side, the Hawks have six players listed on their injury report for Saturday’s game, including star guard Trae Young. Atlanta has ruled out Young due to an MCL sprain that is expected to sideline him through the end of November. The Hawks have also ruled out Kristaps Porzingis due to illness management while Luke Kennard will be sidelined for the second consecutive game due to an illness. Atlanta has also ruled out Nikola Durisic due to an elbow injury while Alexander-Walker is listed as questionable due to a low back strain and Johnson is questionable due to a right quad contusion. Fans can catch Saturday night’s matchup between the Lakers and Hawks from Atlanta at 8:00 p.m. EST on NBA TV.
