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The LA Lakers host the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night at the Crypto.com Arena for the first time this season. It's their third matchup of the campaign, splitting the first two games at the Chase Center on Jan. 27 and Feb. 22.
LeBron James and Co. took the first one in a double overtime thriller 145-144, which was one of the best games of the season. Steph Curry and the Warriors got one back, a 128-110 blowout in their first game following the NBA All-Star break.
The two teams are separated by just one game in the Western Conference. The Lakers are No. 9, with the Warriors right behind them. Saturday's game is important due to a potential tie-breaker at the end of the regular season.
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Golden State Warriors vs LA Lakers injury reports
The Golden State Warriors have two players on their injury report – Steph Curry and Draymond Green.
Curry has missed the last three games with a sprained right ankle, while Green was absent in the Warriors' previous game against the Dallas Mavericks. Both players are questionable for tonight's contest.
Meanwhile, the LA Lakers have a longer list of injured players. Five players are out, while LeBron James is available to play, and Anthony Davis is tagged probable. Both players are likely to suit up and play through injuries once again, though.
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Golden State Warriors vs LA Lakers Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
Golden State Warriors starting lineup and depth chart
Coach Steve Kerr could revert to an old starting five if Steph Curry and Draymond Green get cleared to play the game. That means Klay Thompson and Chris Paul will likely play off the bench.
PG - Steph Curry | SG - Brandin Podziemski | SF - Andrew Wiggins | PF - Jonathan Kuminga | C - Draymond Green
LA Lakers starting lineup and depth chart
Darvin Ham might not have a lot of tricks up his sleeves due to the amount of injury the LA Lakers are currently dealing with. Ham has no other choice but to have this starting five and depth chart:
PG - D'Angelo Russell | SG - Austin Reaves | SF - LeBron James | PF - Rui Hachimura | C - Anthony Davis
Golden State Warriors vs LA Lakers key matchup
Fans would surely love to see Steph Curry and LeBron James go head-to-head, but the two are unlikely to defend each other tonight. However, the key matchup for the game is the potential X-factor for the Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
Rui Hachimura has scored in double figures in his last four games, while Jonathan Kuminga has stepped up since January. Both could set the tempo early in the first quarter, which could dictate the result of the game.
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