After splitting their first two meetings this season, the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers will square off one last time in the regular season.
Grizzlies vs. Lakers injuries: 3 Questionable, 5 Out
Since the All-Star break, Los Angeles has a 4-2 record, and they have won five of their last seven games.
When the week began, the Lakers were tied for 11th place in the conference, one spot and one win away from qualifying for the NBA’s play-in tournament.
LeBron James has missed the last four games with a foot injury, but the team has still managed to win two of those contests. Meanwhile, D’Angelo Russell’s ankle injury has kept him out of action for the last five games. James is still out, but Russell might be available on Tuesday.
A speedy recovery from Russell would allow Dennis Schroder to return to the bench.
James plans to avoid surgery in the hopes of recovering fully through rest and rehabilitation, at which point he hopes to make his return by the end of March.
In James’ absence, supporting players like Anthony Davis (foot) and D’Angelo Russell (ankle) are expected to take on larger offensive roles, while starters like Troy Brown, Lonnie Walker, and Rui Hachimura may see increased playing time.
Anthony Davis stepped up his game to help the team make a playoff push. Davis, who missed time in December and January with a lower leg injury, is averaging 33.8 points and 11.8 rebounds over his last four games.
On Sunday, against the Golden State Warriors, Davis led all scorers with 39 points on 14-of-25 shooting (56 percent) from the floor. Even though he hurt his right foot, he’ll probably be good to go on Tuesday.
The Lakers lost 121-109 in Memphis on February 28 despite Davis scoring 28 points and grabbing 19 rebounds. Morant scored 39 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out 10 assists to complete a triple-double in that game.
Without their star player Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies will have a tough time against the Los Angeles Lakers on the road on Tuesday.
As the NBA looks into his actions, the team has decided to sit Morant for a second straight game.
- Related: Reports: Grizzlies star Ja Morant could get in trouble with the law and get a longer suspension
Following Friday night’s loss to the Nuggets, Morant appeared to hold a gun in a live video he posted to social media early Saturday morning from the Denver area.
On the road against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, the Memphis Grizzlies mounted a massive third-quarter rally to take the lead, but ultimately ran out of steam and lost, 135-129. The Grizzlies were without Morant, Dillon Brooks (one-game suspension), Brandon Clarke (season-ending Achilles injury), and Steven Adams (knee).
For the Lakers’ game tonight, neither Clarke nor Adams will be available.
