The Lakers and Grizzlies clash Saturday night in a crucial Western Conference showdown with both teams locked at identical 44-29 records. Memphis enters as slight 1-point favorites at home according to BetOnline.
Both squads are fighting for playoff positioning with the fourth seed in the West up for grabs.
The game tips off at 8 p.m. ET from FedExForum in Memphis and will be available on NBA League Pass. Fans can catch the free live stream on Jazz Sports.
LeBron James and the Lakers come in struggling, having lost four of their last five games. Their most recent defeat was particularly heartbreaking – a 119-117 loss to Chicago after Josh Giddey nailed a halfcourt buzzer-beater.
That stunning loss came just one day after LeBron saved the Lakers with his own buzzer-beating putback against Indiana.
Austin Reaves dropped 30 points in the Chicago loss, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Lakers’ slide.
The injury report could play a major factor in Saturday’s outcome. Reaves is questionable with an ankle issue, while Maxi Kleber remains out indefinitely with a foot injury.
Memphis has its own health concerns. Star point guard Ja Morant is questionable with a hamstring problem, and Marvin Bagley III might miss the game with a concussion. Brandon Clarke is already done for the season with a knee injury.
The Grizzlies just made a shocking move that has the NBA world buzzing.
They fired head coach Taylor Jenkins on Friday with only nine games left in the regular season. According to ESPN, the organization felt Jenkins had “lost the locker room.” Assistant Tumoas Iisalo will take over as interim coach.
Despite the coaching drama, Memphis has been solid at home this season with a 25-11 record. They’ve gone 5-5 in their last 10 games, averaging a healthy 117.1 points per contest.
The Lakers have struggled on the road, posting a 16-20 away record. They’re averaging 113.1 points over their last 10 games while shooting 47% from the field.
This matchup opens a three-game homestand for Memphis. The teams have split their previous meetings this season, with the Lakers winning two of the three contests.
ESPN’s Basketball Power Index gives Los Angeles a slight edge with a 54.9% chance of victory. The Lakers are an impressive 10-1 in their last 11 games against Western Conference opponents.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, have been strong on Saturdays, going 8-3 in their last 11 weekend contests.
