The Lakers could be without several key pieces in Game 2 vs. the Thunder on Thursday, May 7, as SG Luke Kennard is questionable and F Jarred Vanderbilt is doubtful. Plus, G Luka Doncic remains out of the Los Angeles rotation.
Vanderbilt suffered a dislocated finger in Game 1, while Kennard was added to the injury report due to a neck setback following the series-opening matchup. Kennard has played a crucial role in replacing Luka’s production, and Vanderbilt has played limited minutes during the playoffs.
Below, we'll break down the latest Lakers injury updates on Luke Kennard and Jarred Vanderbilt, capped by who to target on PrizePicks if either player is out for Game 2.
Make Lakers vs. Thunder picks on PrizePicks for Game 2.
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Los Angeles Lakers Injury Update: Will Luke Kennard and Jarred Vanderbilt Play vs. Thunder in Game 2?
According to the NBA injury report, Luke Kennard is officially questionable due to neck soreness, and Vanderbilt is listed as doubtful after suffering a dislocated right pinkie finger in Game 1.
After logging 17.4 minutes per game in the regular season, Vanderbilt has posted only 12.0 minutes per game in the playoffs. This includes 6 minutes in Game 1, as he did not return after suffering a dislocated finger.
Vanderbilt has played a minor role in the postseason, even sitting out of Game 6 in the first round vs. the Rockets.
However, Kennard’s 11.7 points per game (PPG) and 35.3 minutes per contest have been vital in the playoffs. His minutes have seen a huge jump from 23.0 in the regular season. Since SG Austin Reaves returned from injury, Kennard has still logged 29.7 minutes per game over the last three games.
If active, pick more or less for Luke Kennard's 13.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts projection tonight on PrizePicks.
What Players to Target on PrizePicks if Kennard and Vanderbilt Are Out?
If Vanderbilt is out, it likely won’t lead to a significant shift in usage. Across the full season, FantasyLabs Lakers C Jaxson Hayes (+0.1%) is the only regular player to see even a decent increase in usage rate when Vanderbilt is off the court.
For tonight’s game, the focus will be on Kennard’s status. In the playoffs, F Rui Hachimura (+2.4%) and C Deandre Ayton (+0.9%) see the largest increases in usage rate when Kennard is off the floor.
Hachimura has enjoyed a hefty workload in the playoffs, ranking second on the Lakers with 16.1 PPG and 38.0 minutes per contest. Furthermore, he’s been red-hot with a 54.2% field goal percentage and 57.1% mark from 3-point land.
Kennard has shot 40.7% from deep in the playoffs. Hachimura could help replace some of that production with a team-best 2.9 made triples per game in the postseason.
Here are the Lakers players who may benefit most on PrizePicks if Kennard and/or Vanderbilt are out — and their stat projections for Thursday night.
- F Rui Hachimura — 13 Points / 17.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts / 4.5 3-pointers Attempted
- C Deandre Ayton — 10 Points / 8.5 Rebounds / 23.5 Fantasy Score
Hachimura had a strong start to this series with 18 points, shooting 53.8% from the field while cashing in 3 of 6 3-pointers. He’s now recorded 19.5 PPG over the last two games.
Pick More or Less Lakers vs. Thunder player stats on PrizePicks now before 9:30 p.m. ET tip.
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Make Lakers vs. Thunder Picks on PrizePicks
If Kennard is out tonight, the Lakers may need increased production from various 3-point shooters, including Rui Hachimura. According to NBA Advanced Stats, the Thunder boast the fourth-best defensive rating of the playoffs. Los Angeles needs all the scoring help it can get.
Don't wait until lock — make your Lakers vs. Thunder picks on PrizePicks now and earn real money if you're right.
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