Lakers' Luol Deng: Expected to start Friday

Deng (biceps) is expected to start at small forward in Friday's game against the Heat.

Analysis:

The Lakers held Deng out for the first time all season Thursday against the Trail Blazers with right biceps tendinitis, and listed him as questionable ahead of the second half of the back-to-back set. As tip off approaches Friday, it sounds as though Deng is feeling better, so if he makes it through warmups without incident, he should take back his usual spot on the top unit. Brandon Ingram, who started at small forward and played 37 minutes Thursday, would move back to the bench in a corresponding move.