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
vs. Los Angeles Lakers, Target Center, 8 p.m. Thursday
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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.
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Their 28-point lead got trimmed to two late, but they held on in a Western Conference finals rematch that missed an injured Luka Doncic after halftime.
