The Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies are set to meet on Saturday at the FedExForum Arena.
The Grizzlies are enduring a prolonged slump, having lost 10 out of their last 14 matches, and succumbing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their last showdown with a score of 110:98. In this match, Jake LaRavia posted a standout performance, cashing in 8 three-pointers and scoring 32 points, while J.J. Jackson contributed significantly with 22 points. Scottie Pippen Jr. also made his mark, scoring 18 points and achieving 6 assists. The Grizzlies made a mere 39% of their field goal attempts, and 14 of 32 from beyond the arc, encountering difficulties defensively and particularly in the third quarter where they conceded a score of 16:30.
However, despite a challenging season with an overall record of 27-53 and a bout of injuries, the Grizzlies strive to end the year on a positive note, banking on the potential of their young players. Coach Taylor Jenkins maintains an optimistic view for the team's future, highlighting the players' excellent mentality and confidence in the face of these hurdles. Ahead of their final game in a four-match series against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Grizzlies are seeking ways to finish the season with confidence, whilst the Lakers ambitiously look forward to enhancing their play-in prospects, relying on their two wins from the previous three encounters with Memphis.
The Lakers — one of the league's high-scoring teams, stumbled in their latest match, falling to the Golden State Warriors with a score of 120:134. In the match, LeBron James stood out, scoring 33 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura also played significant roles adding 22 and 20 points respectively. Despite their efficiency in offense where they made 45% of their field goal attempts and 12 out of 35 three-pointers, the Lakers' primary issues lay in their defense, especially after they let in 38 points in the first quarter and allowed the Warriors to make over 58 percent of their shots from the field.
Sitting in 9th place in the West with an overall record of 45-35, the Lakers can no longer vie for a spot in the top six of the conference, but still hold a chance at a play-in tournament spot. After a defeat to the Dallas Mavericks, LeBron-led Lakers, undeterred by opportunities lost, prepares for a critical match against Memphis Grizzlies.
The Lakers are keeping a close eye on LeBron James whose participation in the upcoming match remains in question, while the Grizzlies wrestle with the absence of key players which includes John Konchar, Vince Williams Jr., and Brandon Clarke. Memphis is wrapping up the season and is unlikely to manage a win in the face-off with a motivated Lakers side.
Comments0