The Lakers’ margin for error might be thinner after a pair of rotation players were forced to exit Game 2.
JaVale McGee played just eight minutes before being ruled out with left ankle pain in the third quarter. Lakers coach Frank Vogel said the veteran big man, who is averaging 4.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks in the playoffs, is set to undergo an MRI on Monday.
Without McGee, the Lakers opted to play Anthony Davis at center for the majority of their 117-109 win over Houston. Dwight Howard did not play for the first time this postseason partly, Frank Vogel said afterwards, because of forward Markieff Morris’ 16-point performance off the bench.
Dion Waiters was also unable to continue, with his night being cut short due to a pulled left groin. Waiters, who signed with L.A. as a free agent in March, has played just 38 total minutes in five postseason appearances and shot 4-for-12 in that time.
The Lakers’ Game 2 victory leaves the series tied 1-1 heading into Tuesday’s Game 3.
