Injuries continue to pile up as the NBA playoffs progress, especially for the LA Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. This is going to make their Game 6 more interesting tonight.

Wiggins in Doubt for Warriors

Andrew Wiggins, a forward for the Warriors, may not be able to play in today’s Western Conference semifinals against the Lakers due to his slightly fractured left rib. It is not known when the injury happened, but Wiggins played in Game 5 on Wednesday and had a strong performance with 25 points, seven rebounds, and five assists while making 10-of-18 shots.

Wiggins has played exceptionally well recently. This was particularly notable because Wiggins had previously been absent from the team for two months at the beginning of the season.

Darvin Ham, the coach of the Lakers, confirmed that Anthony Davis is set to participate in Game 6 against the Warriors on Friday, after avoiding concussion protocol. As per Ham, the medical team provided an update on Davis, who appeared to have no signs of injury.

Game 5 witnessed a collision between Davis and Kevon Looney from Golden State, which resulted in Davis being hit on his head. He had to leave the game for over seven minutes and couldn’t make a comeback. Davis’s availability in Game 6 remains uncertain, with a possibility that he might recover in time.

In order to secure their place in the Western Conference Finals, the Lakers are pulling out all the stops to get Davis on the court during playoffs. The team is determined to defeat the Warriors quickly, earning themselves a coveted bye in the process. Davis will only be sidelined if absolutely necessary, as the Lakers are willing to go to great lengths to ensure their success in the playoffs.

LeBron Is Not the Same as Before

It seems inevitable, but time has taken its toll on one of the NBA’s biggest stars. LeBron James, at 38, still plays at an elite level. However, time has diminished his abilities to such an extent that injuries have reduced his time on the court. While 22.6 points per game and 5.2 assists per game are productive, these marks are the lowest in the run. Since 2020, James has missed more than 80 games, almost equal to an entire season.

That’s why the Lakers need the rest of the team to do their thing. While replacing 20 points per game isn’t easy, the leadership James offers the team is crucial. James, like Anthony Davis, is a key piece that should be on the court.

The problem is that the Lakers don’t know how much longer they’ll be on the court. Potential injuries to James and Davis are risks the Lakers must face, especially if they want to make an effort to capture one more NBA title.

The Lakers come into tonight’s game as favorites, primarily because they’re 5-0 at home in their last five playoff contests. Bettors can expect a tight game, however, with the Warriors increasing the pressure like they did on Wednesday. When the final buzzer sounds, though, the Lakers will have captured the win.

Heat Move a Step Closer

The Miami Heat face the New York Knicks once again tonight, holding a 3-2 advantage in the series. One more win and they will have more time to rest before advancing.

Miami is dominant on their own court, taking four games with no losses. The Heat are going to look to Jimmy Butler to carry them across the threshold tonight and secure another victory.

The Knicks are proving to be tough competition for the Heat and haven’t given up in the playoff battle. They handed Miami a significant loss on Wednesday and may have an advantage tonight. Tyler Herro and Victor Oladipo will reportedly be on the bench for the Heat, which could open a door for the Knicks.

The Knicks are desperate for a win to take this series out to seven games. They’re going to bring everything they have to the floor and wear down Butler early, forcing one more game.