Why is Christian Wood not playing for the LA Lakers tonight against the Nuggets in Game 3?

Look away, Lakers fans. Or perhaps don’t: it’s almost cathartic to embrace the chaos at this point. After two games, the Los Angeles side are 0-2 down in the series against the Denver Nuggets, having lost 114-103 and 101-99.

They’ll have to bring their A Game back at Crypto.com Arena on Thursday in Game 3 (10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT.), and they’ll have to do so without one of their main men who is still not back: Christian Wood.

The 28-year-old from Long Beach has not featured in either of the Lakers’ defeats so far in the series, and fans have been scratching their chins as to when he will return. Let’s take a look.

What injury does Christian Wood have? When will he return?

When the original injury report from the LA Lakers was submitted to the NBA ahead of the Game, Wood was listed as ‘out’ with ‘left knee; surgery’ the written reason. It’s a huge loss for the Lakers, who could certainly do with some more offensive power after putting up recent low averages in terms of scoring.

Wood last played on February 14 after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his knee. The big man, however, could be back soon enough for Game 4 on Saturday, giving that much-needed boost from the reserves.

Will LeBron James play against the Nuggets in Game 3?

In a few words: nobody knows for sure. LeBron is listed as ‘probable’ after suffering an ankle injury in the previous game, adding injury to insult, to coin a phrase.

Full screen

Of course, it goes without saying that LeBron’s inclusion in the side, even in a bit-part role, would not only constitute a immeasurable boost in morale, but confidence. As for his impact on the scoreboard, that would be entirely measurable, and potentially vital.

The Game between the Nuggets and the Lakers will be played on Thursday April 25 with tip-off at 10:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. PT. You can follow all the drama on AS USA as it unfolds in Los Angeles.