Memphis Grizzlies Vs Los Angeles Lakers Game 3 Preview

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies (51-31, 16-25 away) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, 23-18 home)

WHEN: 9:00 P.M. CT

WHERE: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, CA

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN: ABC/92.9 FM ESPN Memphis

INJURY REPORT:

MEMPHIS: Ja Morant (Questionable, right hand sorness),Steven Adams (Out, knee), Brandon Clarke (Out, Achilles), Jake LaRavia (Out, ankle)

L.A. LAKERS: LeBron James (Probable, foot), Anthony Davis (Probable, foot), Dennis Schroder (Probable, achilles)

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS:

MEMPHIS: Tyus Jones, Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, Jaren Jackson Jr., Xavier Tillman Sr.

L.A. LAKERS: D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, LeBron James, Jarred Vanderbilt, Anthony Davis

The Memphis Grizzlies travel to Los Angeles for Game Three after tying the series at one game apiece. After getting the split in Memphis, the Lakers have earned home-court advantage. The Grizzlies need to get one of the next two games to avoid coming back to Memphis in a 3-1 hole. Here are some storylines, matchups, and players to watch for heading into game three.

What is Ja Morant status?

The biggest question heading into game three is the health of Ja Morant. After further injuring his right hand in Game 1, Morant was a game-time decision on Wednesday. However, he still had trouble dribbling and shooting the ball and was held out. Since there is no structural damage, it’s more of a usability and pain issue than anything. 

Luckily, the Grizzlies still have Tyus Jones who has consistently stepped up as a starter this season. He does not bring the same high flying dunks and highlights, but he is the most effective backup PG in the league. Even if Morant can’t go, the Grizzlies still have a chance to win this game. They will also have to rely more on Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane to have bigger games as the first and second option. However, if team doctors and Morant feel he’s close to his usual self, I’d expect him to play.

Lebron James Vs Dillon Brooks

By now you have probably seen the post game quotes from Dillon Brooks about LeBron, calling him “old” and saying he wished could’ve faced a younger version as it would be “more of a challenge.” Brooks also said that he doesn’t respect anyone until they give him 40, which seemed like a direct challenge to the NBA’s All-time leading scorer.

James has been good offensively this series, but has not driven the ball or moves as well in the past. However, based on his press conference yesterday, he will definitely be locked in for this matchup. Brooks has had some struggles with Lebron so far this series, this will no doubt be his biggest test.

Continue crashing the boards

Down Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke, the Grizzlies frontcourt is very thin. In game one, the Lakers were dominant on the offensive glass, and it led to Memphis losing the rebounding battle. Xavier Tillman led the way with his scoring, but also grabbed 13 rebounds in game two and set the tone for the team early. 

Memphis is still overmatched in the size department, but were able to beat the Lakers to loose balls on Wednesday. It will take another game of out-hustling in LA for the Grizzlies to get a win on the road and take control of the series.

The Grizzlies have struggled on the road this season, and it will take a big effort to get a win on Los Angeles undermanned. However, if Morant can go and is anywhere near 100%, their chances greatly improve. Even with the rotation they had on Wednesday, the Grizzlies proved they can win and compete with the Lakers. Now it’s time to see if they can repeat the performance away from home