New York Knicks
Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) celebrates his game-winning shot with forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. USA TODAY Sports / Brace Hemmelgarn

The Los Angeles Lakers (10-15) will try to snap their five-game losing streak when they host the New York Knicks (13-10) at the Staples Center on Sunday evening.

The Knicks, fresh off a 103-100 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Friday, are off to their best start since the 2012-13 season under coach Mike Woodson. With Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis developing good chemistry, the team is projected to end its three-year playoff drought this season.

The Lakers, on the other hand, started the season on a winning note under new coach Luke Walton until a series of injuries has resulted in the team losing eight of their last 10 games. The Purple & Gold were without sophomore point guard D'Angelo Russell (left knee), Nick Young (calf), Jose Calderon (right hamstring strain) and Tarik Black (sprained right ankle) during the 119-115 defeat to the Phoenix Suns on Friday.

In Russell's absence, the Lakers have gone on a 3-8 losing streak with the team's points per game dipping from 110 to 104. On Saturday, the 20-year-old returned to the court to participate in of the Lakers' practice including an additional 3-on-3 drill with five teammates.

Los Angeles Lakers battling injuries

Lakers forward Julius Randle, who aggravated his hip injury during the loss to Phoenix, has also been listed as questionable for Sunday's game. “I hurt it a couple games ago on the other side. It’s just been sore. I’ve been playing with it. I just reaggravated it. I’ll be fine I don’t think it’s time to sit out," said Randle, who missed three earlier games due to the hip-pointer injury, via Los Angeles Times.

With the Lakers nursing multiple injuries, sixth man Lou Williams has stepped up to the plate, averaging 30.0 points and 2.8 assists from just 30.2 minutes over his last five games. With Russell and Young both questionable for Sunday, Williams wants to carry the Lakers offense once again.

"Just playing hard and trying to lead by example. Just play as hard as I can and see whatever comes out of it. Usually, you score a lot of points and probably get some wins out of it. We have not gotten any wins out it, so there is not a lot to take from it," Williams said about leading his team's workload.

Meanwhile, the Knicks have been playing good basketball but have been riddled with tension between team president Phil Jackson and superstar Carmelo Anthony. After Jackson questioned if Anthony's playing style is apt for the successful working of the triangle offense, the all-star forward posted cryptic posts on social media that were seemingly directed at the Zen Master.

Despite the off-the-court issues, Anthony feels his team is on the right track. "At the end of the day, we're playing good basketball. That's the only thing that matters at this point. So, any negativity that's coming towards me or towards the team, I don't think we need it at this point," Anthony said, via ESPN.

The Knicks are hoping to have point guard Derrick Rose back for the game in Los Angeles. The former MVP, who was traded from Chicago to New York during the offseason, missed the last two games dues to back spasms. Despite missing the past two games, Rose has been travelling with the team and active on scrimmages and practice sessions.

Los Angeles Lakers vs New York Knicks: Live streaming info and score updates

Watch the game live on NBA League Pass, Time Warner Sports Net or MSG depending on your area in the United States. The game starts at 9.30 PM Eastern Standard Time (6.30 PM PT, 12.30 PM AEDT on Monday)

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