Lakers vs. Suns: Will Anthony Davis Play? Groin Injury Could Linger Beyond Game 5

The Los Angeles Lakers may be without one of their superstars when they try to break a 2-2 series tie with the Phoenix Suns. Anthony Davis is viewed as unlikely to play in Game 5 on Tuesday night because of a groin strain, and the injury could affect his playing status for the rest of the first round.

Davis didn’t play in the second half of the Lakers’ 100-92 Game 4 loss at Staples Center on Sunday after suffering the injury. The 28-year-old is officially listed as questionable for Game 5. There is not great optimism that Davis will suit up in Phoenix, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Noon @SportsCenter with @Sagesteele on pessimism surrounding Anthony Davis’ availability for Game 5 of Lakers-Suns series pic.twitter.com/MMnVIRikRn
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 31, 2021

Lakers star Anthony Davis is unlikely to play in Game 5 vs. Suns on Tuesday due to strained groin, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. There’s optimism about Davis‘ status as series continues and as he is evaluated day-to-day.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 31, 2021

Davis’ groin injury is one that typically takes players at least a week to fully recover. Game 6 is scheduled for Thursday and a possible Game 7 would be played Saturday, giving Davis a short period of time to rest.

According to Wojnarowski, Davis might return later in the series.

Davis was listed as questionable for Game 4 with a knee sprain. The eight-time All-Star had six points, four rebounds and three assists before leaving the contest with a new injury.

"I mean, these guys, they're great competitors. They're always going to say, 'I'm ignoring this. I'm going to be in there.' So, we'll just see," Lakers head coach Frank Vogel said Monday, via ESPN. "That's what his mindset is, like any competitor, but we'll see what the groin feels like [Tuesday], and we'll make a smart decision. But he's in good spirits."

Following a Game 1 loss in Phoenix, Davis’ play allowed the Lakers to take control of the series. Davis averaged 34.0 points and 10.5 rebounds in two straight victories over the Suns. Davis was limited to 13 points on 5-16 shooting in the series opener.

Re: Anthony Davis: Most of his regular season issues this year were in his right leg, including a previous adductor strain. However, he has sustained groin strains on his left side in previous seasons & missed a least 1 game each time.
— Jeff Stotts (@InStreetClothes) May 30, 2021

Davis missed half of the regular season with various injuries. With LeBron James missing more than one-third of the season with a high ankle sprain, injury concerns have loomed over the Lakers’ title defense.

Chris Paul has been limited by a shoulder injury for most of the series. The Suns point guard appears to be feeling better, posting 18 points, nine assists and three steals in Phoenix’s Game 4 win at Staples Center.

For the first time, the Suns are the betting favorites to win the series.