The Los Angeles Lakers play their second consecutive game in the state of Florida on Monday as the team will take on the defending Eastern Conference Champions, the Miami Heat.
Miami has not looked like the defending Eastern Conference Champions this season as the team has a 2-4 record and has looked like a shell of the team that went on a playoff run six months ago. That being said, Miami is still a very tough place to play as the Heat are going to give every single team a tough game.
Making matters worse for the Lakers is the injuries that they are currently dealing with. The insanely deep roster that Rob Pelinka put together is getting tested early, which will include another short-handed game on Monday.
Lakers injury report vs Heat:
Rui Hachimura remains out with a concussion
Lakers fans have not seen Hachimura since October 29 when the Lake Show lost to the Sacramento Kings in overtime. Hachimura suffered what originally seemed to just be an eye injury that later landed him in the NBA’s concussion protocol. He remains in the concussion protocol on Monday. However, Darvin Ham said his return will be sooner rather than later.
Jarred Vanderbilt remains out with a heel injury
Unfortunately, while Ham said that Hachimura will return sooner rather than later, he also said that Jarred Vanderbilt will return later rather than sooner. Vando has been rehabbing a heel injury that looks like it will keep him out longer than expected.
Gabe Vincent remains out with a knee injury
Gabe Vincent injured his knee and it was reported on November 3 that the former Miami Heat guard would miss at least two weeks. At the earliest, this puts Vincent’s return on November 17 against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Jalen Hood-Schifino remains out with a knee injury
The 17th-overall pick is yet to make his NBA debut as he has been dealing with a knee injury. Ham said that it will take several more weeks for Jalen Hood-Schifino to return to action.
Jaxson Hayes is day-to-day with an ankle injury
Jaxson Hayes suffered an ankle injury and is officially labeled as questionable for Monday’s game against the Miami Heat. Hayes will likely be a game-time decision for the purple and gold.
Taurean Prince returns Monday
Taurean Prince has missed the last two games with knee soreness but he has been removed from the Lakers injury report on Monday and will return to action against the Heat.
Heat injury report vs Lakers:
Caleb Martin ruled out with a knee injury
Caleb Martin, who became a postseason hero for the Heat last season, will not be suiting up against the Lake Show. Martin has been dealing with a knee injury and the Heat have definitely missed his presence in the lineup.
Jimmy Butler is probable with a knee injury
Jimmy Butler was added to the injury report ahead of Monday but the star guard is listed as probable. Butler not playing would have been a huge break for the Lake Show, especially considering the lack of depth in this game.
Duncan Robinson is probable, Nikola Jovic is questionable, R.J. Hampton is doubtful
Duncan Robinson was listed as probable on the injury report as he is dealing with a wrist injury. Robinson played 30 minutes in Miami’s last game against the Washington Wizards on Friday.
Jovic and Hampton are both on the injury report due to illness. Jovic is listed as questionable while Hampton is listed as doubtful. Neither player will make a huge difference on the outcome of the game.