Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat meet while dealing with injury bug

NEW DELHI: As the Los Angeles Lakers host the Miami Heat on Wednesday, both teams are striving for better health in the new year. The Heat faced a 121-104 defeat against the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday, missing key players like Jimmy Butler, Caleb Martin, Josh Richardson, and Haywood Highsmith. Butler and Highsmith remain out, while Martin is doubtful, and Richardson is questionable for Wednesday's game.The Lakers' veteran duo, LeBron James and Anthony Davis, has maintained relative health, but the supporting cast has dealt with injuries. The Lakers closed December with seven losses in nine games after securing the NBA in-season tournament title.In the Heat's recent loss, Bam Adebayo contributed 21 points and 15 rebounds, with Kevin Love adding 17 points off the bench. The Heat, short-handed in the second half, struggled defensively as the Clippers shot efficiently from the field and beyond the arc.The Lakers return home after a two-game road trip, losing to the Minnesota Timberwolves and the New Orleans Pelicans. LeBron James and Anthony Davis posted solid performances, but the team was without Cam Reddish and D'Angelo Russell. Lakers coach Darvin Ham hinted at using Rui Hachimura more frequently, but Hachimura's calf injury will keep him out of Wednesday's game, and Russell is doubtful. LeBron James is questionable due to illness.With 11 of their next 12 games at home, the Lakers aim to capitalize on their home-court advantage. Despite the comfort of being at home, James emphasizes the need to maintain focus and competitiveness. The Lakers have a 11-4 home record compared to a 6-13 record on the road.(With Reuters inputs)