The Los Angeles Lakers were unable to close out the series at Golden State in Game 5 on Wednesday night. Just like the first round, the Lakers now have a 3-2 series lead and will look to end things in Game 6 in front of the team’s home crowd.
The Lakers have not lost a home game during this playoff run and the Warriors are the worst team in the playoffs on the road. Los Angeles has the advantage but anything can happen in 48 playoff minutes.
The door to the unknown is also crept open by Anthony Davis’ injury status. Davis was elbowed in the head by Kevon Looney in Game 5 and had to leave the game early. There was speculation about Davis suffering a concussion, with some reports going as far as to say he had to leave the arena in a wheelchair (which doesn’t seem to actually be the case).
If Davis doesn’t play in Game 6 then it is going to be a huge uphill battle for the Lake Show, regardless of home-court advantage.
Anthony Davis injury update vs Warriors in Game 6:
Anthony Davis is listed as day-to-day on the Lakers injury report but it has nothing to do with the elbow to the head. Instead, his name is one the injury report with a foot designation, which has been the status quo ever since he returned from injury.
Luckily, it looks like Davis may have avoided a serious injury. According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, Davis is expected to play in Game 6 minus any last-minute setbacks with his injury.
Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis (head injury) is expected to be available for Game 6 on Friday barring a setback, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) May 11, 2023
Now fans just need to hope that Davis actually shows up to play and does not continue the tradition of blanking in even-numbered games.
Full Lakers injury report vs Warriors:
LeBron James is also day-to-day on the injury report and is listed as probable with a foot injury. Like Davis, this has been the status quo for LeBron since he returned from injury, so his place on the injury report should not worry fans.
Mo Bamba is listed as questionable for Game 6 with an ankle injury after missing several games in this playoff run. He is not part of the rotation anyway, but if Davis were to miss a game he would suddenly have an important role — if he suits up.
Full Warriors injury report vs Lakers:
The Warriors may also have to play without a hugely impactful player in Game 6. Andrew Wiggins, who was easily the Warriors’ second-best player in the NBA Finals last year, has been listed as questionable with a rib cartilage fracture.
Typically, athletes can play through this injury as it does not have the added risk of puncturing a lung, which a fractured rib would have. However, it comes with extraordinary pain and that alone could sideline Wiggins.