Austin Reaves might have to manage an incredible workload fir the LA Lakers, who could miss up to seven players against the Minnesota Timberwolves. As of now, LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Adou Thiero, Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent are on the sidelines. Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes could also join them. The duo is placed as "questionable" and likely game-time decisions.
Latest on Marcus Smart and Jaxson Hayes
Smart is facing a right quad contusion. He missed Monday's defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, Hayes is dealing with left patellar tendinopathy and has missed three back-to-back games.
Latest on LeBron James and Luka Doncic
Latest updates suggest that LeBron James will stay on the sidelines until mid-November due to Sciatica. Meanwhile, Doncic would miss at least a week from Sunday with a left finger sprain and left lower lag contusion he picked up against the Timberwolves on Sunday.
Kleber was reportedly out for two weeks from opening game because of an abdominal muscle strain, while Vincent will miss the next two to four game from Monday with a left ankle sprain. Rookie Thiero remains without an update for now.
Lakers' humiliating loss against Trail Blazers
The Lakers missed all seven players in Monday's 122-108 defeat against the Trail Blazers. It was a big toll on Austin Reaves, who was the only ball handler and playmaker available, playing on the second night of a back-to-back.
While he amassed 41 points and had five assists, Portland managed to slap eight turnovers against the breakout star, who is averaging 35.4 points in four games. The Timberwolves don't have the point-of-attack presence on defense to restrict Reaves, so the turnovers should not be a problem on Wednesday.
However, fatigue is a problem. LA will hope that Marcus Smart makes a comeback as he can shoulder the playmaking and ball-handling responsibility when Austin Reaves is off the court.
How to watch LA Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves?
ESPN will televise the LA Lakers vs Minnesota Timberwolves game. Spectrum SportsNet and FanDuel Sports Network North will provide local TV coverage. Fans can also stream the game online through NBA League Pass and Fubo.