Lakers vs. Spurs: Game Preview, Injury Updates, Predictions & How to Watch Live

Lakers vs. Spurs: Everything You Need to Know Before the Game

Basketball fans, get ready! The Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on the San Antonio Spurs this Monday, and if you're wondering how to catch the action live, you're in the right place. With the Lakers fighting for a top spot in the Western Conference and the Spurs dealing with key injuries, this matchup promises some intriguing storylines.

Lakers Looking to Build Momentum

After a rough four-game road trip where they couldn’t secure a single win, the Lakers finally bounced back in style on Sunday, taking down the Phoenix Suns. That victory couldn’t have come at a better time, as they are now sitting at a 41-25 record, positioning themselves in fifth place in the Western Conference. However, things are extremely tight—Los Angeles is just one game behind the second-place Houston Rockets and tied in the loss column with those same Rockets. Every win matters as the season nears its final stretch.

One major boost for the Lakers came in the form of returning players. Luka Dončić, Jaxson Hayes, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Gabe Vincent all rejoined the squad on Sunday after dealing with injuries. This means the Lakers are nearly at full strength again, which will be crucial as they gear up for a potential deep playoff run. And here’s some even better news for Lakers fans—LeBron James and Rui Hachimura could be back in action within days. With key players returning, expect Los Angeles to make a strong push in the standings.

Spurs’ Injury Woes and Season Struggles

On the other side of the court, the San Antonio Spurs are in a tough spot. Just before the trade deadline, they made an exciting move by acquiring star guard De’Aaron Fox from the Sacramento Kings, seemingly signaling their intent to compete in the West. But fate had other plans. Their superstar center, Victor Wembanyama, was shut down for the season due to a blood clot, a devastating blow to the team’s ambitions. To make matters worse, Fox is also out for the remainder of the season after undergoing surgery on his finger.

At 28-38, the Spurs’ hopes of making a late-season push are fading fast. In fact, at this point, they might be better off leaning into a rebuilding strategy and increasing their chances of securing a top draft pick. Despite the setbacks, they still have young talent looking to prove themselves, so don’t count them out completely.

How to Watch the Lakers vs. Spurs Game

If you don’t want to miss a second of the action, here’s everything you need to know:

• TV Channel: Spectrum SportsNet

• Start Time: 7:30 p.m. Pacific Time

• Live Streaming: Watch Lakers vs. Spurs live on Fubo (free trial available!)

Latest Injury Updates

Both teams are dealing with injury concerns heading into Monday’s game. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Spurs: Jordan McLaughlin (left Achilles tendon soreness) is questionable. Meanwhile, Charles Bassey (left knee acute-on-chronic bone bruise), De’Aaron Fox (left fifth finger extensor tendon surgery), and Victor Wembanyama (right shoulder deep vein thrombosis) are out.

• Lakers: No official injury report has been released yet, but in their last game, Rui Hachimura (left patellar tendinopathy), LeBron James (left groin strain), and Maxi Kleber (right foot surgery recovery) were all sidelined.

Projected Starting Lineups

While these lineups could change based on injury reports, here’s how both teams looked in their previous matchups:

Suns Starting Lineup:

• G - Devin Booker

• G - Bradley Beal

• C - Mason Plumlee

• F - Ryan Dunn

• F - Kevin Durant

Lakers Starting Lineup:

• G - Austin Reaves

• G - Jordan Goodwin

• C - Jaxson Hayes

• F - Luka Dončić

• F - Dorian Finney-Smith

Game Predictions, Odds & Betting Lines

So, what should we expect from this showdown? The Lakers, with their depth and improving health, are heavily favored in this one. Unless they come in overconfident and sluggish, they should handle the Spurs without too much trouble.

• Prediction: Lakers 118, Spurs 106

• Betting Odds (via BetMGM):

  • Spread: Lakers -9.5

  • Over/Under: 229.5 points

Given San Antonio’s depleted roster, the odds make sense. However, strange things happen in the NBA, so don’t completely rule out an upset.

Lakers Upcoming Schedule

Los Angeles is entering a critical stretch of games that could determine their final playoff positioning. Here’s a look at their next few matchups:

• March 17: vs. San Antonio Spurs

• March 19: vs. Denver Nuggets

• March 20: vs. Milwaukee Bucks

With a tough slate of games ahead, the Lakers need to take advantage of matchups like this one against the Spurs. Winning games like these will be crucial if they want to secure home-court advantage in the playoffs.

Final Thoughts

While this may not be the most competitive matchup on paper, it’s still a must-watch for Lakers fans. The return of key players, the potential for a dominant win, and the ongoing battle for playoff seeding make this game important. Meanwhile, the Spurs are looking to salvage what’s left of their season, and their young players will be eager to step up.

Make sure to tune in, because you never know—NBA games always have the potential for unexpected twists and standout performances. Will the Lakers cruise to an easy victory, or will the Spurs put up a fight? We’ll find out soon enough!