The Los Angeles Lakers will face the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center in Florida tonight, making their first game of a four-game road trip. The matchup is expected to be exciting as the Lakers previously secured a narrow 106-103 win in their first meeting with the Magic at the Crypto.com Arena on October 31.
The Lakers are experiencing a challenging season, with each game being closely contested except for an opening night loss to the Denver Nuggets. LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell were key players in their previous win against the Magic, coming late in the game to seal the victory. Russell was especially effective in the clutch, scoring 12 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, whereas James scored nine of his 19.
Orlando being the home team will enter the game with confidence, particularly after Paolo Banchero’s outstanding performance against the Utah Jazz. With Wendell Carter Jr. out due to a fractured left hand, the Magic will rely heavily on Banchero to maintain his form and help the team compete for a win against the Lakers.
Taurean Prince is listed as questionable for the Magic vs Lakers game tonight
The Los Angeles Lakers lineup could face a change as Taurean Prince has been listed as questionable for tonight’s game against the Orlando Magic. If Prince is unable to play, the Lakers may look towards Cam Reddish to fill the starting role. This potential change comes at a time when the Lakers are already dealing with several injuries, including the absences of Jarred Vanderbilt, Rui Hachimura, and Gabe Vincent.
Lakers injury report vs ORL pic.twitter.com/Z9ilOVQdaq
— Lakers All Day Everyday (@LADEig) November 3, 2023
Los Angeles Lakers Injury Report:
- Jarred Vanderbilt (Out – heel)
- Jalen Hood-Schifino (Out – knee)
- Rui Hachimura (Out – eye)
- Gabe Vincent (Out – knee)
- Taurean Prince (Questionable – knee)
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineup:
- D’Angelo Russell (PG)
- Austin Reaves (SG)
- Cam Reddish (SF)
- LeBron James (PF)
- Anthony Davis (C)
Orlando Magic Injury Report:
- Wendell Carter Jr. (Out – hand)
- Markelle Fultz (Questionable – knee)
- Gary Harris (Out – groin)
Orlando Magic Expected Lineup:
- Cole Anthony (PG)
- Jalen Suggs (SG)
- Franz Wagner (SF)
- Paolo Banchero (PF)
- Mo Wagner (C)
Will the Magic capitalize on Lakers injuries?
The Orlando Magic have a great chance to win in tonight’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers, with a long list of injuries, face the challenge of maintaining their performance levels. But, even with the injuries the Lakers have two of the best players in the game, who can turn things around.
.@OrlandoMagic INJURY UPDATES (1/2):
Wendell Carter Jr. has suffered a fractured third metacarpal of his left hand tonight at Utah. The course of treatment will be determined after the team’s return to Orlando.#MagicTogether
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) November 3, 2023
Mo Wagner of the Magic will attempt to contain Anthony Davis, with Wendell Carter Jr. out with a fractured hand. Looking at the odds the Lakers are the favored team, but with the Magic having home-court advantage and a young roster, the game is expected to be a tight one.