The Los Angeles Lakers are struggling, but unfortunately, that’s the story of their NBA 2022-23 campaign so far. Now, 45 games into their season, they have recorded 20 wins and are in the midst of yet another of their slumps with losses to the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sacramento Kings.
Come Friday, they host the belligerent Memphis Grizzlies, who are sitting second in the West with an impressive 31-13 record. They are on a whopping 11-game winning streak and the matchup marks the first of their three-game series in the regular season.
The question is if the Lakers have enough fuel in the tank to take on the likes of Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, even if they have LeBron James continuing his scintillating production. The 38-year-old has been the lone gun-slinger for LA in Anthony Davis’ absence.
While Thomas Bryant, Dennis Schroder, and Russell Westbrook have all been playing their parts, the short-handed side has not had results go their way. The trio tapering off has played a part in the team’s brace of defeats.
As they gear up for the marquee clash on Friday at the Crypto.com Arena, here’s a look at the projected starting five, the injury report from both camps, and the predictions.
Los Angeles Lakers Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
As expected, the Lakers will miss the services of Anthony Davis, Austin Reaves, and Lonnie Walker IV. As far as recent updates go, the big man has been ramping up his half-court work and has been going through 45 minutes to an hour of “pain-free” workouts.
James is listed as day-to-day but will most likely suit up against the Grizzlies. With that, the projected starters would be Patrick Beverley (G), Dennis Schroder (G), Troy Brown Jr. (F), LeBron James (F), and Thomas Bryant (C).
Memphis Grizzlies Expected Lineups And Injuries Updates
It’s all going right for the Grizzlies at this stage. Their only injury concern is Danny Green, who will miss the clash against his former team. Per ESPN, Zlaire Williams misses out with a non-COVID illness.
The Grizzlies will see Ja Morant (G), Desmond Bane (G), Dillon Brooks (F), Jaren Jackson Jr. (F), and Steven Adams (C) take the floor.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Predictions
Right off the bat, the Grizzlies are favorites heading into the contest. In Morant, they have an MVP-caliber guard averaging 27.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 7.9 assists this season. His partner, Bane, is second on the list with 21.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 boards.
Memphis has been thorough in three areas of shooting. They are drilling 47.3% from the field goal range and 35.% from the three-point range. The Lakers are marginally better with a 48.6% from the field but expectedly have been behind the eight-ball when it comes to landing their 3s.
Much depends on James again, who has been on a tear this season, averaging 29.8 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists. After the loss to the Kings, he stressed playing “mistake-free basketball,” but that is a challenge for a team that’s operating with limited resources.
The Lakers will have to play their hearts out and hope for a big night from James if they intend to walk home with a win. But that’s a massive “if” at this stage.
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