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The LA Lakers vs. Boston Celtics reignite their rivalry on TNT's Thursday night slate. It's the second and final matchup of the year between the teams that share 17 NBA championships apiece. The Celtics outplayed the Lakers in the reverse fixture at Crypto.com Arena on Christmas Day.
The Celtics secured a 126-115 win behind Kristaps Porzingis' double-double. He had 28 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Derrick White had 18 points and 11 assists to cover for just above average games from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Anthony Davis was the Lakers' lone bright spot in that contest. He dropped a game-best 40 points and 13 rebounds on 15-of-26 shooting. The rest of the Lakers, including LeBron James, couldn't do much to prevent Boston's starters from getting their way.
LA Lakers vs. Boston Celtics injuries for February 1
LA Lakers Injuries
The LA Lakers' injury report has four players. Cam Reddish (ankle) and Gabe Vincent (knee) are out for weeks. Meanwhile, LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (Achilles/hip) ruled out of the game. AD missed the last game and will not return today either.
Boston Celtics injuries
Akin to their Christmas Day matchup, the Celtics continue to have better fortunes in the injury department. Luke Kornet is the only injured player in the injury report with a hamstring issue. He's questionable to play on Thursday.
LA Lakers vs. Boston Celtics starting lineups and depth charts for February 1
LA Lakers starting lineup and depth chart
The Lakers' starting lineup and depth chart has taken a hit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis listed as unavailable. D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves will be in the backcourt, while Taurean Prince will likely play next to them in the frontcourt. Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes will replace James and Davis on Lakers
Rui Hachimura and Christian Wood also expected to play crucial minutes off the bench.
Here's the Lakers starting lineup and depth chart for February 1:
Boston Celtics starting lineup and depth chart for February 1
The Celtics starters are healthy and available to play, so expect no changes there. Jrue Holiday will be the point guard, Derrick White will be the shooting guard, and Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum will be the forwards, alongside center Kristaps Porzingis.
Al Horford, Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard could play the most significant roles in the bench unit.
Here's the Celtics starting lineup and depth chart for February 1:
LA Lakers vs. Boston Celtics key matchups
The LA Lakers vs. Boston Celtics game was lopsided the last time the two teams faced. The Lakers seemingly didn't have a settled lineup. Meanwhile, everyone apart from Anthony Davis struggled. With AD out and LeBron James not playing either, the Lakers are extremely shorthanded and their hopes rely on their role players. Some matchups could make this a close game. Here's a look:
The first is between Jarred Vanderbilt and Jayson Tatum. Vanderbilt has been in solid form for the Lakers of late. He's finding his burst and athleticism back, which is helping him in his defensive assignments. Holding off Tatum from having a stellar game could be decisive. Winning that matchup for Tatum could do a world of good for his confidence and potentially decide the game's fate way early.
The final matchup is between the Lakers guard and Celtics guards. D'Angelo Russell and Austin Reaves are no match for Jrue Holiday and Derrick White's defensive versatility, but they can be a handful to deal with if they strike the right chords on offense. White and Holiday's tasks would be to ensure neither Russell nor Reaves get too comfortable early.
