The Los Angeles Lakers will look to improve to 3-2 when they face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. ET, though injuries remain a major concern.
After being listed as questionable due to a right quadriceps contusion, Marcus Smart has been ruled out for the second consecutive game, according to the NBA’s official injury report. He’ll join Luke Doncic, LeBron James, Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber and Adou Thiero on the sidelines.
The Timberwolves, meanwhile, will be without superstar guard Anthony Edwards due to a right hamstring strain, while Jaylen Clark is dealing with a left calf strain and is listed as questionable.
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What Marcus Smart’s absence means for Lakers
Smart started Sunday’s win over the Kings with Doncic and James sidelined, notching 11 points, five assists and three rebounds in 31 minutes. However, he ultimately missed Monday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, with Jake LaRavia drawing the start in his place.
The Lakers will likely stick with the same starting lineup against Minnesota — Austin Reaves, LaRavia, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt and Deandre Ayton — while their depth will again be tested. Dalton Knecht, Bronny James, Nick Smith and Chris Manon are all candidates to see increased minutes.
Still, the team should continue to rely heavily on Reaves to carry the offense through his scoring and playmaking, as the rising star has delivered back-to-back games with at least 41 points and will likely need another strong outing to lead L.A. to victory.
The banged-up Lakers will look to pick up a win against an Edwards-less Timberwolves squad, while Smart will aim to return in Friday’s contest against the Memphis Grizzlies.
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