Los Angeles Lakers DVOA, Stats, & NBA Rankings

Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (knee) has been ruled out for Friday's meeting with the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers are wrapping up a back-to-back on Friday and are giving Vincent a night off after he played 26 minutes in Thursday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Vincent's absence boosts the fantasy value of Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton. Goodwin will start the game alongside Austin Reaves, Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Alex Len.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle) will not play on Friday against the Denver Nuggets. The veteran is suffering from an ankle injury and will exit the lineup after playing 30 minutes in Thursday's matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks. Jarred Vanderbilt and Dalton Knecht are in a prime position to benefit from Finney-Smith's absence on Friday. Both players have been confirmed as starters for the contest.

According to Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com, Los Angeles Lakers centerJaxson Hayes(knee) will be out against the Denver Nuggets on Friday. The 24-year-old will miss his fourth straight game in a row due to a bruised right knee. He's still dealing with swelling, so it's unknown when he will be healthy enough to return. However, his next chance to return is on Sunday against Phoenix. IfDorian Finney-Smith(ankle) and/orTrey Jemison(illness) are also sidelined, Alex Len will likely see an uptick in minutes. Unfortunately, Len won't factor in fantasy even with the extra playing time during tonight's contest, as he's only registered a total of two points and seven rebounds in his last five outings.

Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.comreports that Los Angeles Lakers point guardLuka Doncic(ankle) won't play against the Denver Nuggets on Friday. Due to left calf management and a right ankle sprain, Doncic will sit out the second half of back-to-back games. With Doncic sidelined and Gabe Vincent(knee) listed as doubtful, Jordan Goodwin and Shake Milton will likely receive extra minutes on the floor this evening. Still, neither player provides a solid fantasy option versus the Nuggets.

Jovan Buha of The Athleticreports that Los Angeles Lakers forwardRui Hachimura (knee) was sent back to Los Angeles and will be considered day-to-day by head coach JJ Redick moving forward. Hachimura, along with LeBron James(groin) andJaxson Hayes(knee), are returning to Los Angeles early from a Lakers road trip that still includes stops in Milwaukee and Denver. The 27-year-old Hachimura has missed six consecutive contests, but his recovery is moving in the right direction. Barring any setbacks, he could potentially return against the Suns on Sunday.