The Los Angeles Lakers had their first injury issue this week as Timofey Mozgov missed the final game of their four-game road trip due to a left eye contusion suffered against the Indiana Pacers. All tests on Mozgov came back negative meaning there was nothing more serious, but he was still ruled doubtful to play Friday night against the Golden State Warriors.
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However things seem to be looking up for Mozgov as he went though shootaround today and is now a game-time decision against the Golden State Warriors, according to Tania Ganguli of the LA Times:
Timofey Mozgov was listed as doubtful yesterday but he went through shootaround today and is a gametime decision, Luke Walton said.
— Tania Ganguli (@taniaganguli) November 4, 2016
Having Mozgov back in the lineup would be a nice boost for the Lakers. Mozgov is their best rim protector and a good rebounder, two things that are crucial if the Lakers plan on upsetting the Warriors.
Of course, if Mozgov is impaired in any way the Lakers will likely play it safe and hold him out for one more game.
With Mozgov out on Wednesday night against the Atlanta Hawks, rookie Ivica Zubac stepped into the starting lineup and played admirably. Zubac totaled six points and three rebounds, making all three of his shots from the field. Zubac also showed his youth, picking up three early fouls trying to contain Dwight Howard.
Head coach Luke Walton also went small for extended periods which could come into play against the Warriors also. Larry Nance Jr. had his best game of the early season with 14 points, seven rebounds, and two steals.
The most important thing is that Mozgov fully recovers and becomes his normal bruising self again, sooner rather than later.