Not many expected Rui Hachimura and Austin Reaves to torpedo the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of the playoff clash between the two teams.
The Los Angeles Lakers went up 1-0 and the Grizzlies were left searching for answers against a belligerent unit that showed they weren’t reliant on LeBron James and Anthony Davis to do the bulk of the work.
Come Wednesday, the hosts still sweating over the availability of Ja Morant who is a game-time decision, will look to bounce back against LA who have grown confident with every passing game since the second half of the regular season.
The good news for Memphis is the versatility in their roster, and their ability to win games even if Morant is indeed sidelined. In Tyus Jones, they have a reliable and proven backup point guard, while the likes of Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane, and Luke Kennard have been proven performers.
Memphis’ depleted front court will give the Lakers a chance to extend their lead and close out the series early. There’s no doubt that the Grizzlies’ resilience will come to the fore against the Purple and Gold, but it all boils down to whether they can equalize at the FedEx Forum on Wednesday.
On that note, here’s a look at the expected starters from both teams, the injury report, and the predictions.
Memphis Grizzles Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
The Grizzlies have listed Steven Adams (PCL), Brandon Clarke (Achilles), and Jake LaRavla (calf) as out, while Ja Morant has been noted questionable. He will most likely suit up with limited minutes should he be cleared to play.
Ja Morant (G), Desmond Bane (G), Dillon Brooks (F), Jarren Jackson Jr. (F), and Xavier Tillman (C) might be the projected five to take the floor. Expect Tyus Jones to slot on for Morant if he’s a last-minute scratch.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
Per the updated ESPN injury report, Anthony Davis (foot), Lebron James (foot), and Dennis Schroder (Achilles) are all listed as probable but are most certainly expected to take the floor.
The Lakers are likely to field the same starters as Game 1. D’Angelo Russell (G), Austin Reaves (G), LeBron James (F), Jarred Vanderbilt (F), and Anthony Davis (C) will form the starting unit.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Predictions
Game 2 is a must-win for the Grizzlies as it sets the tone for the remainder of their playoff run. Not many teams have gone down 0-2 and have managed to erase the deficit. It’s just a tough break for the hosts who may have to do without Ja Morant in their ranks.
The Lakers definitely come in as the superior team, and that they’re healthy shows they are primed to make it two-in-two. Earlier head coach Darvin Ham stressed that they were not taking anything lightly.
“I mean, we just prepare as if he’s [Morant] playing,” said Ham via Dave McMenamin. “We don’t try to assume anything or try to make any predictions. We just make sure we cover Plan A, Plan B. Plan A he plays, Plan B, what type of adjustments they’ll make.”
Their bench was one of the deciding factors in the last game outscoring the Grizzlies’ reserves 39-24. They do have more depth in this roster, and that serves as an advantage. As far as predictions go, expect the Lakers to take this contest. It might be too early to say, but a 4-2 in favor of LA looks to be the likely outcome.
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