UPDATE: Luka Doncic has indeed been ruled out by the Lakers for tonight’s tilt against the Bucks, but he is not alone. Joining the All-Star on the sideline will be Austin Reaves (ankle) and likely both Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) and Jarred Vanderbilt (groin), as both have been listed as doubtful.
Jordan Goodwin, Dalton Knecht and Gabe Vincent should now all carry the load for an unrecognizable Los Angeles rotation. Heck, Bronny James might even play big minutes. — Garion Thorne
After helping the Lakers defeat the Nuggets last night, Luka Doncic will miss Thursday’s matchup vs. the Bucks, as he continues to manage a sprained ankle, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Los Angeles also continues to be without both LeBron James (groin) and Rui Hachimura (knee).
With these two players out for his last four starts, Doncic has been outstanding with 32.5 points, 9.8 rebounds and 8.0 assists per game with league-high 38.8% usage rate. With Doncic joining James on the sidelines Thursday, Austin Reaves ($9,100) should flourish as the Lakers’ main player and he is one of the best options for Thursday’s five-game DFS slate on DraftKings.
Reaves has made two starts without James and Doncic since the Doncic for Anthony Davis trade in February, and in those contests, Reaves erupted for 45 points, seven rebounds and seven assists vs. the Jazz and then 37 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds vs. the Nuggets. Reaves handled a 35.9% usage rate in these tilts and he produced a whopping 73.1 FPTS per game. Dalton Knecht ($5,600), Jordan Goodwin ($4,600) and Gabe Vincent ($4,300) should also see expanded roles with Doncic out, making them viable targets for DFS as well.
The Lakers are 1-1 with James and Doncic inactive since the team acquired the superstar and in the wake of the news Doncic will be out Thursday, the Bucks have moved to a six-point favorite for this contest on DraftKings Sportsbook. — Alex Hunter