The Western Conference rankings are set to be thrown into chaos as the top five teams are plagued by injuries! The Lakers are poised to challenge for a top-three spot!
Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. suffered a right hand fracture during shooting practice and is expected to miss at least 4 to 8 weeks. According to the Rockets' head coach, Smith was hit on the hand during training, leading to the fracture.
This season, Smith has been averaging 31 minutes per game with the Rockets, scoring 11.9 points, grabbing 6.5 rebounds, and blocking one shot per game. Additionally, Rockets forwards Ethan and Amen Thompson, two key defensive players, are also out due to injuries. Currently, the Rockets hold a record of 22 wins and 11 losses, placing them third in the West.
On the other hand, the Mavericks have suffered three consecutive losses due to Luka Doncic's injury. Today, facing the Eastern Conference-leading Cavaliers, Kyrie Irving is also out due to injury. As a result, the Mavericks are likely to suffer their fourth consecutive loss. They currently have a record of 20 wins and 14 losses, ranking fifth in the West.
The second-placed Grizzlies saw nine players sidelined due to injuries in yesterday's game. There were more players on the bench wearing team training uniforms than those in casual attire!
Meanwhile, the Lakers, currently sixth in the West, have an opportunity. They are only half a game behind the fourth-placed Nuggets and three games behind the third-placed Rockets! With key players from the Rockets and Saturnians expected to be out for at least a month, if the Lakers seize this chance, they could potentially climb to fourth place or even challenge for a top-three spot!