Timberwolves-Lakers game preview: LeBron James won't play tonight

The Lakers' LeBron James, the NBA's all-time scoring leader, is out because of a calf injury.

December 21, 2023 at 8:48PM
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts as he scores over San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) and forward Keldon Johnson (3) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in San Antonio, Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
Lakers center Anthony Davis leads the NBA in rebounding at 12.6 per game. (Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

WOLVES GAMEDAY

vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Target Center, 8 p.m. Thursday

TV; radio: BSN; iHeartRadio app

Stats and analytics: Tap here.

Chris Hine's preview:

Opening bell: Both teams played Wednesday night and had late travel. The Wolves lost in Philadelphia after entering the game with an NBA-best record 20-5 record. The Lakers — who won the inaugural in-season tournament title — are 15-13 after a 124-108 loss in Chicago.

Late updates: The NBA's all-time scoring leader, LeBron James, is out tonight because of a calf injury. Lakers C Anthony Davis, who leads the NBA in rebounding (12.6), is questionable because of an ankle injury.

Forecast: The Lakers are 23rd in the league in offensive rating (112.4), while the Wolves boasted the NBA's top defensive rating (107.1) before Wednesday's game. The Wolves have the home-court advantage; they are 11-1 at Target Center, and they are a big favorite with James sidelined.

Get Chris' coverage of the Wolves and NBA delivered to your inbox for free, and read all our Wolves beat coverage here.

about the writer

about the writer

Chris Hine

Sports reporter

Chris Hine is the Timberwolves reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune.

See More

More from Wolves

card image

Host Michael Rand returns from a sick day to talk about not one but two Wolves losses to the Blazers. What exactly is going on with this team? Plus Gophers quarterback Max Brosmer joins the show to talk about his journey to the Big Ten, his belief in himself and what he has learned this season.

card image
card image