Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images. Pictured: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers.
Below are the projected starting lineups for each team playing on Thursday’s NBA slate, along with notable injury news for each squad. For real-time updates to these lineups, check out our Action Labs NBA lineups page.
NBA Injury News
Los Angeles Lakers head coach Frank Vogel revealed that Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Anthony Davis will both be game-time decisions for Game 6 on Thursday. Davis did some work during practice, but is still hampered by his strained groin.
Caldwell-Pope is dealing with a left knee contusion and left Tuesday’s loss early after his knee tightened up. If Caldwell-Pope is unable to suit up, Wesley Matthews is a likely candidate to enter the starting lineup.
General Manager James Jones confirmed that Chris Paul will play in Game 6 on Thursday, stating, “Chris Paul will be ready to go. I don’t know how to say it any clearer than that, unless Chris isn’t playing he’s playing.” It’s possible Paul pops up on the injury report as a formality after leaving the prior victory early due to a right shoulder contusion that has limited his production in Round 1.
Will Barton remains sidelined for Game 6 on Thursday due to a strained right hamstring. He last played on April 23 due to the injury, and there was optimism he could return at some point during the first round. In Barton’s absence, Austin Rivers has started and averaged 32.3 minutes per game through the first five games.
Be sure to check the Action Labs NBA page for real-time updates.
Projected Starting Lineups
Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers (8 p.m. ET)
Nuggets Projected Lineup
PG – Facundo Campazzo
SG – Austin Rivers
SF – Aaron Gordon
PF – Michael Porter Jr.
C – Nikola Jokic
Injury news: Will Barton (Hamstring) is out
Trail Blazers Projected Lineup
PG – Damian Lillard
SG – CJ McCollum
SF – Norman Powell
PF – Robert Covington
C – Jusuf Nurkic
Injury news: Nothing new
Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers (10:30 p.m. ET)
Suns Projected Lineup
PG – Chris Paul
SG – Devin Booker
SF – Mikal Bridges
PF – Jae Crowder
C – Deandre Ayton
Injury news: Ty-Shon Alexander (Illness) is out
Lakers Projected Lineup
PG – Dennis Schroder
SG – Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
SF – LeBron James
PF – Anthony Davis
C – Andre Drummond
Injury news: Anthony Davis (Groin) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (Knee) are questionable
Phan’s Bet to Watch
As of 11:30 a.m. ET, Justin Phan isn’t seeing betting value in any games. To get instant alerts when he sees an edge and his analysis on those picks, sign up for Action Labs.