NBC and Peacock feature a doubleheader for NBA action on Tuesday, March 10. The Minnesota Timberwolves (40-24) vs. the Los Angeles Lakers (39-25) caps the primetime back-to-back with a late-night 11:00 p.m. ET tip-off.
After missing the last two games, Lakers F LeBron James remains on the injury report for Tuesday’s duel with the Timberwolves. As Los Angeles’ third-leading scorer, the latest LeBron James injury update could shift Timberwolves vs. Lakers player projections on PrizePicks.
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LeBron James Injury Update: Is He Playing vs. Timberwolves?
LeBron played in 29 of 31 games from January 2 to March 5, but he missed the last two games. Debate surrounds whether an elbow or foot injury has kept James on the bench.
The NBA injury report upgraded his status to questionable vs. the Timberwolves for Tuesday, March 10. On Monday, Lakers head coach JJ Reddick tabbed the 41-year-old forward as day-to-day.
James still holds a prominent role, posting 21.4 points per game (PPG), 5.6 rebounds per game (RPG), 7.0 assists per game (APG), and 33.1 minutes per game. FantasyLabs gives LeBron a 28.6% usage rate, which ranks second on Los Angeles.
We have a good sample size of the Lakers without James in the lineup, as the 23-year veteran has missed 20 games. If James is absent, who could be a worthy target for PrizePicks NBA projections?
LeBron James Injury Impact: Which Lakers Players to Target?
Lakers PG Luka Doncic’s 37.8% usage rate is already one of the Association’s highest marks. Somehow, it continues to rise by +4.4% to 42.2% (!) when LeBron is off the court.
In James’ last two absences, Luka racked up 39.5 PPG compared to 32.5 PPG on the season. The proof is in the pudding, with Doncic totaling 23.1 field goal attempts per game when LeBron is out. For context, Luka leads the NBA by launching 22.0 shots per appearance.
Since February, Doncic is shooting 39.9% on 3-pointers, an increase from 36.0% on the season. Opponents cash in 35.9% of looks from deep against the Timberwolves (17th).
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Luka Doncic vs. Timberwolves Projections, Picks
Here are some of Luka Doncic’s projections on PrizePicks for Tuesday’s Timberwolves vs. Lakers matchup.
- 32.5 Points
- 48.5 Pts+Rebs+Asts
- 56 Fantasy Score
Make Timberwolves vs. Lakers Picks on PrizePicks
If LeBron misses his third consecutive contest, Doncic’s absurd usage could continue. The NBA’s leading scorer may have another monster volume vs. the Timberwolves on Tuesday, March 10.
You can make your Timberwolves vs. Lakers picks on PrizePicks and PrizePicks Team Picks to earn real money. Just pick players, predict More or Less on their projected stats, and cash in if you’re correct. With Team Picks, make predictions on winners, spreads, and over/unders, now available in 35 states.
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