As the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a matchup against the Miami Heat, the availability and health status of Luka Dončić are matters of interest to Lakers fans. After all, the fanbase has the opportunity to watch Dončić lead the team, something that he is expected to do for several years to come.
While Dončić has already put up a few remarkable performances early into the season, he ended up sustaining a finger injury and missed a few games. Thankfully, Austin Reaves and the other stars on the roster stepped up to keep the Lakers going.
As things stand, the Lakers currently hold a record of four wins and two losses. On the other hand, the Heat are at three wins and two losses. With both these teams looking to improve their record, let us take a look at the injury status for Dončić and the other stars.
Will Luka Dončić Suit Up Against the Miami Heat?
Given that LeBron James is dealing with a sciatic back injury and has yet to make his official debut this season, Lakers fans were concerned after finding out that Dončić was injured in a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This was only the second game of the season, and having their best player injured was a bad sign. Thankfully, the Lakers won two games and lost just one without either of their best players on the court.
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According to the injury reports, Dončić appears to be completely healthy and is expected to play in this game against the Heat. He already returned to action in the Lakers’ last game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Dončić showed no signs of rust, recording a game-high 44 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists to help the Lakers win 112-117.
While Dončić is good to go for this matchup, James continues to be sidelined and is expected to rejoin the team in a few weeks. The Lakers will also miss Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, and Adou Thiero for this game. Additionally, their center Deandre Ayton is listed as probable due to a back injury.
Be that as it may, Dončić, Reaves, and the rest of the Lakers stars are expected to play against the Heat. Although the Heat may have been able to put up a good fight and could still win this game, their own injuries indicate that they will be the underdogs in this match against the Lakers.
What Is the Condition of the Miami Heat?
Although the Heat are performing somewhat decently at this point in the season, there is no denying that the team is facing a few issues. Some fans will remember that Terry Rozier, whom the Heat acquired last season, has been suspended due to allegations of gambling and money laundering.
Moreover, the Heat’s best scorer, Tyler Herro, underwent surgery to address the posterior impingement syndrome in his left foot and ankle. Although he is progressing in his recovery, Herro is expected to miss the Heat-Lakers game. Similarly, Kasparas Jakucionis is listed as out, and Norman Powell is listed as questionable.
While the Heat will still have Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins, that is unlikely to stop the Lakers from emerging victorious. Fans are left wondering if the Heat will be able to catch the Lakers off guard as both teams look to get a win while dealing with their respective injuries.