Luka Dončić is officially back on the court, cleared from the injury report just in time for a fiery rematch between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers tonight at 7:00 p.m. PT. This isn’t just another game, folks. The Warriors are absolutely gunning for revenge after the Lakers flat-out smoked them on opening night, a memory still fresh from only nine days ago. Dončić, who missed Wednesday’s Lakers game, is set to go head-to-head with Yaxel Lendeborg, and you know there’s gonna be some serious beef on the court.
Warriors Still Missing Key Pieces as Revenge Looms
While the Lakers are getting a massive boost with Dončić’s return, the Warriors are still dealing with the same old injury woes for a few of their guys. Kristaps Porziņģis is out and not even with the team, Jimmy Butler III is still recovering from right ACL repair surgery, and Moses Moody is sidelined with left patellar tendon repair surgery. Those three have been out, and nothing has changed. What *is* new, though, is Gui Santos. He’s listed as doubtful for tonight’s clash due to left knee tendinitis. Santos was a late scratch for Wednesday’s win against the Minnesota Timberwolves, a knee issue that now looks like it’s going to cost him at least two games. It’s a bummer for the Warriors as they try to even the score, but with the intensity expected, they’ll need everyone healthy sooner rather than later.
Lakers Add More Firepower with Dončić Return, Kessler’s Ready to Repeat
On the Lakers’ side, there are a few guys still out, but the big news is obviously Dončić. Cameron Carr, the No. 24 pick from June’s draft, is out with a right oblique strain and still waiting to make his NBA debut, though he’s day-to-day. Adou Thiero, a second-round pick from a year ago, is also out with left knee injury management, still looking for his season debut after playing 25 games last year. He’s also considered day-to-day. Ziaire Williams, who has been super solid in his first season with the Lakers, was initially questionable but has since been downgraded to out with a left foot/heel injury management. He actually missed Wednesday’s win over the Clippers, but he put up nine points, three rebounds, and four assists in the Lakers’ earlier victory over Golden State nine days ago.
But here’s the real kicker: Walker Kessler, the Lakers’ big offseason addition, is available and ready to roll despite a left finger splint. He sat out Wednesday’s game like Williams and Dončić, but there’s no way he could resist getting back on the court against the Warriors after what he pulled off on opening night. Remember that? Kessler shot a perfect 12-for-12 from the field against them, utterly dominating. That kind of performance is still fresh in the Warriors’ minds, and with Dončić back to orchestrate the offense, Kessler could be looking to do some serious damage again.
This game is shaping up to be an absolute must-watch, airing live on Prime Video. You know the Warriors are gonna come out swinging, but with Dončić and Kessler both cleared, the Lakers are bringing some serious heat to this revenge game. It’s going to be electric.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Golden State of Mind.
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