Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis (left groin strain) is unlikely to play in Game 5 vs. the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, according to the latest report from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Anthony Davis is unlikely to play in the Lakers-Suns Game 5 on Tuesday due to strained groin.
He is day-to-day and there's optimism about his status as the series continues.
(via @ShamsCharania) pic.twitter.com/9BoHI0jm46
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 31, 2021
Davis is reportedly being listed as day-to-day with a Grade 1 groin strain — the least severe outcome on the groin strain scale, fortunately.
On SportsCenter, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that while Davis has not ruled been out and would test out his groin on Monday, there is an anticipation that he won't be able to suit up.
Noon @SportsCenter with @Sagesteele on pessimism surrounding Anthony Davis’ availability for Game 5 of Lakers-Suns series pic.twitter.com/MMnVIRikRn
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 31, 2021
The Lakers have yet to provide a formal update on Davis' status. Following the Game 4 loss on Sunday, head coach Frank Vogel said Davis was undergoing further medical evaluation and an official update would be administered by the team on Monday.
The Lakers and Suns are tied at two games apiece after Phoenix's 100-92 victory in Los Angeles.
Davis injured his groin on an awkward fall after missing a layup with 48.3 seconds to go before halftime. He never re-emerged from the Los Angeles locker room, and he exited Staples Center without speaking to the media.
The Lakers are scheduled to hold a media session around 2 p.m. PT on Monday.
On Sunday night, Dan Woike and Brad Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that there was “pessimism” within Lakers circles that Davis would be able to play on Tuesday.
Sources tell @DanWoikeSports and @BA_Turner that Anthony Davis has a Grade 1 groin strain and “there’s some pessimism” about his chances for Game 5 pic.twitter.com/WYQHJLX3mn
— Michael Corvo (@michaelcorvoNBA) May 31, 2021
AD is still dealing with a knee sprain, too. The Lakers — whose entire 2020-21 season has been defined by untimely injuries and absences — were already down one starter, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, for Game 4. KCP's availability going forward remains unclear.
If Davis indeed can't go on Tuesday, the Lakers will rely on LeBron James and their supporting cast to pick up the scoring load. Davis missed 36 games in the regular season — an experience Vogel said the Lakers will “draw on” for the pivotal Game 5.
“Obviously, if he’s not ready for Game 5, it’s going to be a tough blow for our ballclub,” LeBron said. “Next man up. We’ve been like that all year, and we’re going to have to be like that in a hostile environment in Game 5.”
“The health of AD is what’s most important for our ballclub,” James added.
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