
The Lakers take on the Grizzlies in Memphis — the first night of a back to back that will take them to New Orleans on Sunday. This particular BtB is interesting because it’s against two teams really battling to make the playoffs as the 8th seed and…play the Lakers in the 1st round.
Let’s get the injury stuff out of the way for both teams because there’s a lot of ground to cover. LeBron, who sat out vs. the Warriors on Thursday, remains questionable with a sore groin. Danny Green, who is dealing with a hip issue, is doubtful. Anthony Davis is listed as probable with a sore elbow. If I had to guess, I’d bet both Bron and Green sit, but that’s just a guess.
On the Grizzlies side, things are even worse. Jaren Jackson, Brandon Clarke, Grayson Allen, and the recently acquired Justise Winslow are all out. Jackson and Clarke are two key rotation players and two-thirds of the Grizzlies’ front court rotation. With Jay Crowder now in Miami, the Grizz are now very thin upfront with both those guys out. In Memphis’ last game, they started three guards and slid Kyle Anderson up to PF, but if LeBron ends up playing, I really don’t know how viable a plan like that is.
Memphis remains in the 8th seed heading into tonight’s game despite losing 5 straight games. They are reeling, though, and with the Pelicans looking primed to close out the season strong, the Grizz will have a hard time holding on and staying the postseason. It’s just a really bad time for them to be as banged up as they are.
As for the Lakers, they’re comfortably in 1st place in the West which is one reason we could see them be cautious with LeBron and continue to sit him. The bigger goals for this season require a healthy Bron heading into April and if that means sitting him now, then that’s what should happen. If a couple of losses come with this approach, so be it. It’s why the Lakers playing as well as they have to this point matters. They’ve given themselves a cushion and now they can use that buffer to make these types of decisions without any stress.
Regarding the details of this game, I wish I had something thoughtful to say, but I kinda don’t. If LeBron plays, I don’t see this game being particularly competitive. If he doesn’t play, the Lakers can still control this game, but it will take a strong defensive game, particularly from their guards. Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks can put up big points and that means Bradley, KCP, and Caruso will need to be extra attentive. It will also be important for the Lakers bigs to get back defensively in transition in order to build a wall and not let Ja get easy baskets in the open court.
Offensively, the Lakers need to shoot the ball well from deep and continue to work through Davis, both in the post and via P&R actions. I’d also really like to see Kuz continue to be assertive when he gets some ball handling chances, and I hope that’s the case whether Bron plays or not.
Where you can watch: 5:00pm start time on Spectrum SportsNet.