Lakers Update LeBron James' Status for Jazz Matchup
The Utah Jazz begin their three-game homestand Tuesday night when they host the Los Angeles Lakers. The Jazz will be an undermanned crew heading into the contest.
Starters Walker Kessler (concussion), Jordan Clarkson (hand), and Lauri Markkanen (wrist) have been ruled out, while and Collin Sexton (hamstring) will be available. As for the Lakers, LeBron James (foot) is questionable, while Anthony Davis (foot) and D'Angelo Russell (foot) are probable.
Sexton will have his first shot at playing post-All-Star break. Talen Horton-Tucker and newcomer Kris Dunn have filled in nicely in Sexton's absence which begs the question: Will Sexton be inserted back as the starter if he’s deemed ready to play?
If there’s been one glaring weakness with Utah post-All-Star break, it's consistency from the bench. Sexton could be just what the doctor ordered with his energy and ability to create his own offense while Utah's starters are getting their rest.
Also, Horton-Tucker would continue to get the live reps needed to make his claim on being a permanent fixture as the starting point guard moving forward. 'THT' has been filling up the stat sheet as of late but is still rough around the edges in regard to running a half-court offense and turning the ball over. It will be interesting to see whether Horton-Tucker remains the starter and how the minutes are distributed if Sexton does get the green light.
This will be the first of a pair of games against the Lakers to close out the season. The surging Lakers have their eye on the No. 6 seed and should be pulling out all the stops to get the victory. Despite being at home, the Jazz are a heavy underdog heading into the contest getting nine points.
Tip-off is at 7:00 pm MDT.
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