Lakers survive Zion Williamson's wrath; Kings force Warriors into offseason of uncertainty
Here are some quick thoughts on the first round of In-Season Tournament games from FOX Sports' NBA reporters.APRIL 17
ANTHONY DAVIS #3 - POWER FORWARD - LOS ANGELES LAKERS
30.1 PPG •
11.1 RPG •
2.8 APG
30.1 PPG
11.1 RPG
2.8 APG
Clutch performance in win Davis contributed 20 points (6-16 FG, 8-10 FT), 15 rebounds, three blocks and one steal in 40 minutes during Tuesday's 110-106 Play-In Game victory over the Pelicans.
Impact Davis was able to battle through back spasms in Tuesday's win and thinks the extra rest before Saturday's Game 1 against the Nuggets will allow him to fully recover, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports. While the star big man struggled from the field, he hauled in a clutch offensive rebound off a LeBron James miss with 15 seconds and was able to convert on four free throws down the stretch to ice the game.
APRIL 17 • ROTOWIRE
Anthony Davis on Facing Nuggets in the First Round, Full Postgame Interview
APRIL 17 • YOUTUBE
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Good to go for primetime Davis (back) has been cleared for Wednesday's Play-In Tournament game against New Orleans, Mike Trudell of Spectrum SportsNet reports.
Impact Davis' aggravating his back/hip spasms in Sunday's win over New Orleans is troubling given that he has battled the affliction all season, but he appears to be no worse for the wear. A rematch against New Orleans pits Davis versus Zion Williamson and Jonas Valanciunas, while Davis has averaged 21.5 points, 10.5 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.0 blocks across four contests versus the Pelicans this season.
APRIL 16 • ROTOWIRE
Officially questionable Davis (back) is questionable for Tuesday's Play-In game against the Pelicans.
Impact Davis landed awkwardly after a collision with Larry Nance during a rebounding attempt during Sunday's regular-season finale versus New Orleans and experienced hip and back spasms, knocking him out for the final five minutes of a blowout win. After the game, Davis and coach Darvin Ham downplayed the injury, but the Lakers' medical staff will have the final say on the big man's availability for Tuesday's rematch. Before leaving, Davis dominated the Pelicans, posting 30 points (13-17 FG), 11 rebounds and two steals in 33 minutes.
APRIL 15 • ROTOWIRE
Lakers' Anthony Davis Has 'No Doubt' About Play-In Tournament Status After Back Injury Anthony Davis picked up a back injury during the Lakers' season finale, but he's expecting to be available during the play-in tournament.
APRIL 15 • SI.COM
Confirms intention to play Davis (back) confirmed he intends to play against the Pelicans on Tuesday in the Play-In Tournament, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports. "There's no doubt I'm gonna play (on Tuesda...
Impact Davis said the injury wasn't concerning, and it seems he doesn't have any doubt regarding his availability for Tuesday's rematch against New Orleans. The medical staff will have the final saying regarding his availability, but Davis has been mentioned in the injury report and then being able to handle a full workload pretty much the entire season. The star big man finished Sunday's 124-108 win with 30 points (13-17 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals across 33 minutes.
APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE
Dealing with back spasms Head coach Darvin Ham said Davis experienced hip and back spasms after being pushed in the air by Larry Nance Jr. and landing awkwardly, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. Ham is...
Impact Davis headed to the locker room during Sunday's win over the Pelicans, and even though the Lakers won by a 124-108 score, Davis' health will be the team's primary focus over the next few days ahead of Tuesday's matchup against the Pelicans. Ham's words are optimistic, however, and there might be a scenario in which Davis doesn't miss any time. Davis finished Sunday's win with 30 points (13-17 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 4-4 FT), 11 rebounds, three assists and two steals across 33 minutes.
APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE
Anthony Davis left the game early with an Apparent Back Injury
APRIL 14 • YOUTUBE
Heads to locker room Davis has gone to the locker room after suffering a lower body injury during Sunday's game against the Pelicans, Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reports.
Impact Davis limped off the court after he appeared to get pushed on a rebound attempt in the fourth quarter. The Lakers held a sizable lead at the time, so it seems unlikely Davis will return. If that's the case, all attention will turn to Davis' availability for the Play-In Tournament rematch against New Orleans on Tuesday.
APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE
Good to go Sunday Davis (eye) has been cleared for Sunday's game against New Orleans, Ryan Ward of LakersNation.com reports.
Impact Unsurprisingly, Davis and LeBron James (ankle) are both active for a climactic regular-season finale Sunday. A Lakers win would result in the Pelicans slipping into the Play-In Tournament, while Phoenix would move into the sixth seed in the Western Conference -- allowing Los Angeles to dodge them initially.
APRIL 14 • ROTOWIRE
Likely to play Sunday Davis (eye) is probable for Sunday's game against the Pelicans, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
Impact The Lakers are expected to be close to full strength for the season finale, as LeBron James (ankle) is also expected to suit up. Davis recently dropped 36 points (11-22 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 13-17 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal over 43 minutes during Friday's 123-120 win over the Grizzlies.
APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE
Posts big line in return Davis logged 36 points (11-22 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 13-17 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal over 43 minutes during Friday's 123-120 victory over the Grizzlies.
Impact Davis missed Tuesday's loss to Golden State due to a headache and nausea, but he was able to suit up for Friday's contest. He and fellow All-Star LeBron James combined for 73 points in a key win that helped propel the Lakers to the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference. Including Friday's performance, Davis has put up at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and two blocks on five occasions this season. The Lakers can clinch the No. 8 seed with a win in Sunday's regular-season finale in New Orleans but could fall to as low as 10th with a loss, so Davis and the rest of the team's starters figure to suit up and play their full allotment of minutes.
APRIL 13 • ROTOWIRE
Available to play Friday Davis (head) is available for Friday's game against Memphis, Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports.
Impact This was the expectation with Davis carrying a probable tag prior to this update. In addition to Davis, LeBron James (ankle) also has the green light to suit up.
APRIL 12 • ROTOWIRE
Charles Barkley Had Everyone Laughing With His One-Liner Trashing the Lakers Charles Barkley had some high praise for Anthony Davis before trashing the Lakers.
APRIL 12 • SI.COM
