By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The second day of the NBA’s play-in tournament is highlighted by the Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Golden State Warriors. The winning side will clinch the seventh seed of the Western Conference, but the losing side will be back on Friday bumping into the Memphis Grizzlies or the San Antonio Spurs for the eighth seed.
“We can’t afford to lose this game,” said Anthony Davis in the buildup of the fixture at Staples Center, “We look at it as a Game 7 for sure. It’s a must-win for us.”
Davis, 28, is listed by the Lakers as questionable due to a right shoulder sprain. LeBron James is considered probable with a right ankle sprain. “He had some minor soreness, but he’s good to go,” said head coach Frank Vogel on James.
Both are expected to be officially cleared within the next few hours.
The defending champions ran out of the Regular Season with five straight wins. The sprint fell short of securing a direct spot in the playoffs.
The team landing seventh place in the West will be slotted against the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs. The eighth seed will take on the Utah Jazz.
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