The Los Angeles Lakers will be shorthanded again when they face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals on Tuesday night.
Vanderbilt unavailable after finger fracture
Forward Jarred Vanderbilt has been ruled out after dislocating and fracturing his right pinky during the second quarter of Game 1. The injury occurred when his finger caught on the backboard while he attempted a block, forcing him to leave the floor after only six minutes. The fracture was set, and Vanderbilt is now wearing a splint. Head coach JJ Redick described the veteran as “day-to-day,” leaving the door open for a possible return later in the series.
Kennard cleared despite neck soreness
Guard Luke Kennard, who appeared on the injury report with neck soreness following the series opener, has been declared available. Kennard shot 1-for-4 in Game 1 and continues to come off the bench behind starter Austin Reaves.
Doncic progressing but not yet cleared for contact
Superstar Luka Doncic remains out with a Grade 2 strain of his left hamstring. Doncic has resumed running but has not been authorized for full-contact work. He revealed an initial eight-week recovery timeline that would extend to late May, meaning the Lakers would need to reach the Western Conference Finals for him to return.
Los Angeles trails the best-of-seven series 1-0. Tip-off for Game 2 at Paycom Center is set for 8:30 p.m. CT.
Source: Lakers Nation
