Game: Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Lakers
Time: 10:00 p.m.
Odds: Grizzlies +2, Lakers -2
Total: 226.5
The Memphis Grizzlies face a number of challenges when they visit the Los Angeles Lakers tonight, including the absence of star Ja Morant. Morant will miss a second straight game after the team suspended him from play while the NBA looks into his behavior. In a social media video that he posted on Saturday morning, Morant appeared to be holding a gun. The Grizzlies were in Denver after losing to the Nuggets on Friday night.
On Sunday, the Grizzlies rallied in the third quarter to pull ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers without Morant, Dillon Brooks (who was suspended for one game), Brandon Clarke (who suffered a season-ending Achilles injury), and Steven Adams (who suffered a knee injury). However, they ran out of steam in the fourth quarter, losing 135-129. Clarke, of course, and Adams are out for tonight.
Memphis turned an 11-point deficit into a lead that peaked at 16 points on Sunday thanks to a 51-point third quarter. They failed down the stretch though as the Clippers made some defensive adjustments in the fourth quarter. Tyus Jones of the Grizzlies scored zero points in the fourth quarter despite having 20 points in the third. Memphis was led by Desmond Bane’s 30 points.
The Lakers have cause for confidence going into tonight’s game. Los Angeles has won five of its last seven games overall and is 4-2 since the All-Star break in an effort to qualify for the postseason. Heading into NBA action on Tuesday, the Lakers, Jazz, and Trail Blazers all have 31-34 records. Utah sits in ninth place in the Western Conference, Portland is tenth, and the Lakers are currently 11th.
Despite LeBron James’ absence from the club for the past four games due to a right foot injury, the Lakers have been competitive. D’Angelo Russell has also missed the last five games due to an ankle injury. Russell is listed as questionable for tonight while James is still ruled out.
In an effort to make his imprint on the team’s postseason push, Anthony Davis has upped his game. In his last four games, Davis, who himself missed 20 games in December and January due to a lower leg injury, has averaged 33.8 points and 11.8 rebounds. Davis scored 39 points and shot 14-of-25 (56 percent) from the field in a 113-105 home win over the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Despite having a right foot issue, Davis is listed as probable for Tuesday.
On February 28, the Lakers lost to Memphis 121-109, despite Davis’ 28 points and 19 rebounds. In that game, Morant recorded a triple-double with 39 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Memphis is 4-1 SU in its last five games against the Lakers. The Grizzlies are also 4-1 ATS in their last five games. They have struggled on the road though going 1-10 SU in their last 11 away games.
The Lakers are 5-2 SU and ATS in their last seven games. LA is 5-1 SU in its last six games against Memphis at home. The Under is 5-0 in the Lakers’ last five home games and 14-3 in the last 17 against the Grizzlies.
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