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Anthony Davis out with MCL sprain, will be re-evaluated in four weeks

The Lakers will lose their star power forward for at least a month. We break down the fantasy basketball and betting implications.

By Chinmay Vaidya
Los Angeles Lakers v Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after getting injured in the third quarter. Davis did not return against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on December 17, 2021 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 110-92.
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images

The Los Angeles Lakers announced power forward Anthony Davis suffered a sprained MCL and will be re-evaluated in four weeks. That puts the star out for some pivotal contests, including the team’s showdown with the Brooklyn Nets on Christmas Day.

Anthony Davis injury: Fantasy basketball impact

Obviously, Davis leaves a huge hole in the team on both ends of the floor. Look for LeBron James and Russell Westbrook to pick up the slack offensively, while Dwight Howard will be the first candidate to take over in the middle after he gets cleared from health and safety protocols. DeAndre Jordan will also see some minutes in the frontcourt. Malik Monk is probably the best bet to see an uptick in opportunities overall, but James and Westbrook are sure to get even more usage with Davis out.

Betting impact

The Lakers were favorites to win the West in the preseason, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. The team is around .500 right now, and that’s with Davis on the floor. Without him, there’s a real chance the Lakers are looking at the play-in tournament again. LA is currently +475 to win the conference, behind the Warriors, Suns and Jazz.

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