The Los Angeles Lakers’ offense tailed off in the second half of Game 1 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday after they scored 53 points in the first two quarters. After halftime, they could only muster 37 points as they fell 108-90 to the defending NBA champions.
They have been without Luka Doncic for just over a month due to a hamstring strain, but they could be even more short-handed for Game 2 on Thursday. Forward Jarred Vanderbilt dislocated a finger on his right hand while trying to block a shot and had to immediately leave the court. He’s listed as doubtful, while guard Luke Kennard is questionable with neck soreness.
For Oklahoma City, forward Jalen Williams and big man Thomas Sorber will not play.
Not having Vanderbilt and Kennard would seriously hamper Los Angeles. Vanderbilt is a versatile, energetic defender who can pound the boards, and Kennard is one of the team’s few legitimate 3-point threats. Kennard can also handle the basketball and even get others involved, and L.A. needs as much help in those two departments with Doncic still out of action.
This will be an opportunity game for the Lakers, as a win would give them home-court advantage before the series shifts to Los Angeles for the following two games. Game 3 will take place at Crypto.com Arena on Saturday evening at 5:30 p.m. Pacific time.
This article originally appeared on LeBron Wire: Lakers release injury report for Game 2 versus Thunder
Reporting by Robert Marvi, LeBron Wire / LeBron Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
