The Los Angeles Lakers are at it again. Superstar LeBron James has picked up yet another questionable tag, but this time, it’s for an illness. With co-star Anthony Davis picking up a probable tag — not his usual questionable tag — let’s dive into the most recent LeBron James injury update for Wednesday to discuss his odds of playing as well as a Heat-Lakers player prop pick. If you’re hungry for more action, check out our NBA player prop bets, our NBA betting tools or our NBA betting promos!
LeBron James Injury Update: Is L.A.’s Star Playing Tonight?
Is LeBron James Playing for the Los Angeles Lakers Tonight?
The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat both have concerningly long injury reports ahead of Wednesday’s game at the Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers are listing Anthony Davis and Cam Reddish as probable, LeBron James as questionable, D’Angelo Russell as doubtful and Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent as out.
The Heat have ruled out Jimmy Butler and Haywood Highsmith. Caleb Martin is doubtful and Josh Richardson is questionable.
LeBron is questionable with a non-COVID illness, which isn’t what he usually gets tagged for. With James, it was usually a calf or knee issue. However, for both this game and the last two games the Lakers have played, LeBron’s injury designation has been for illness.
So is LeBron James playing tonight? Considering whatever illness he has now was also affecting him for L.A.’s last two games, I suspect he will suit up. He even participated in Wednesday’s shootaround. The Lakers have gotten two days off since their last game and have another day off before each of their next three games.
Heat-Lakers Player Prop Pick for Anthony Davis
Because I suspect LeBron James will play against the Heat tonight, I’m very interested in fading Anthony Davis with his points prop set to 30.5. For one, Davis is averaging only 25 points per game this year, so this line betrays some market skepticism of LeBron’s status. Davis is averaging only 24.2 points per game with LeBron versus 32.7 without him this year.
But beyond Davis’ splits with or without LeBron, this is a tough matchup for him. Davis has made four starts with the Lakers against the Heat, through which he averaged just 23 points per game. He scored only nine points in 25 minutes against the Heat earlier this season. In his lone start against the Heat without LeBron, Davis scored just 24 points in 45 minutes.
OddsShopper Premium agrees that Davis’ under is a sharp play — if you buy it via the right book. Fanatics is charging only -125 for the under 30.5, but the same wager will cost you -145 at DraftKings. The under 29.5 will cost you -120 at FanDuel.
The Heat have limited Davis historically, just as they’ve limited opposing centers this year. Miami leads the NBA in points allowed to centers per game both this season (18.8) and through the last 15 games (18.3). This market may move around considerably before tip — especially if the Lakers end up ruling anyone else out — some make sure to subscribe to OddsShopper Premium for the most up-to-date odds and analysis. You can even use code “ISIROIS” at checkout to take 20% off your first month!
Heat-Lakers Player Prop Pick: Anthony Davis Under 30.5 Points -125 at Fanatics
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