Lakers have huge advantage after injury updates vs Suns

MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to a game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on November 06, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers warms up prior to a game against the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on November 06, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers officially play their first game of the NBA In-Season Tournament on Friday night as the team will be in Phoenix to take on the Suns. Last time these two teams squared off the Lake Show was able to get the best of a beaten-up Phoenix team.

The situation is a bit different ahead of this Friday night matchup. Injuries have really hampered the Lakers early on in the 2023-24 season while the Suns just got Bradley Beal back on Wednesday. With Anthony Davis missing Wednesday’s game, it appeared that the Lakers would be up against the ropes.

However, the latest injury update for both sides should have fans feeling much better about LA’s chances in this game.

Anthony Davis receives promising injury update for Lakers vs Suns

Davis, who was originally listed as questionable after missing Wednesday’s game, saw his status get updated to probable ahead of Friday night. This bodes very well for AD, who should be playing in this game barring any last-minute setbacks.

Davis himself said that he was going to suit up on Wednesday after originally suffering the injury on Monday. While that ultimately did not happen, it is a good sign that the injury is not serious and that Davis can not only play, but can be as close to 100% as possible.

That is not the only injury update that benefits the Lakers in this matchup.

Devin Booker ruled out of Lakers vs Suns

Phoenix got Beal back on Wednesday but still has not been able to play the new big three with each other yet this season. Devin Booker has been dealing with a calf injury all season and he was officially ruled out of Friday’s contest.

Beal is listed as probable after playing on Wednesday and while that is a boost for Phoenix, Beal playing over Booker benefits the Lakers. Beal had a reduced workload in his season debut and still does not seem to be 100%, whereas Booker is someone who can single-handedly win the game for the Suns.

On the Lakers’ side, both Jarred Vanderbilt and Gabe Vincent remain out of action with their respective injuries. Vando is scheduled to be re-evaluated on Friday, though.

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