After losing 108-90 in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, the Los Angeles Lakers will play Game 2 of the series on Thursday at Paycom Center. While it isn’t a must-win game for them, they may need to win this contest in order to have a realistic chance of winning the series or even making it competitive.
Coming into Thursday, it looked like the Lakers could be very short-handed for Game 2. Luka Doncic is still out with a hamstring strain, and forward Jarred Vanderbilt dislocated a finger during Game 1, causing him to be listed as doubtful. Meanwhile, sharpshooting guard Luke Kennard was listed as questionable with neck soreness.
Vanderbilt will not play in Thursday’s game, but Kennard will be available.
With Doncic and Vanderbilt out, coach JJ Redick said he will play at least nine men on Thursday.
After Thursday, this series will shift to Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Game 3 will take place on Saturday evening, while Game 4 will be played on Monday night.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers make decisions on Jarred Vanderbilt, Luke Kennard for Game 2
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
