Memphis Grizzlies Look to Face Los Angeles Lakers in M-Town

Jan 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) attempts a shot defended by Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin (17) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Memphis Grizzlies won 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies are looking to begin another winning streak as they face the Los Angeles Lakers tonight in the Grindhouse.

The Grizzlies (43-17) play the Lakers (16-44) tonight in Memphis, Tennessee. This is the fourth and final meeting of the season between the two teams, with Memphis leading the season series 3-0. The previous three Grizzlies/Lakers contests have all been close, with Memphis only winning by a range of three to six points in each.

Jan 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) attempts a shot defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward Carlos Boozer (5) during the third quarter at Staples Center. The Memphis Grizzlies won 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

The Lakers are shorthanded–losing Kobe Bryant, rookie Julius Randle, and others to injuries earlier in the season. Even “Swaggy P” A.K.A. Nick Young is questionable for tonight’s matchup. The Lake Show is beat up and worn down.

However, the Memphis Grizzlies must not overlook this game and take it as an easy win. Before Memphis beat Houston two days ago, the Grizz had lost three of their last four games. They need all the momentum they can get. Memphis also needs to continue to incorporate Jeff Green into their offensive game plan, and now is a fine time to do just that.

The Grizz need to come out with the same intensity as they did in their road win in Houston on Wednesday. If they do, this game should be no problem for them to come out on top.

L.A. is struggling to find offense, so Tony Allen, Marc Gasol, and Mike Conley need to lock up on defense to suffocate the Lakers’ offensive schemes. On offense, Memphis HAS to find Big Spain and Zach Randolph in the paint. Courtney Lee and Jeff Green need to make shots, too. If the Grizzlies’ bench has a productive game, it may be a blowout victory for the home team in the Grindhouse.

Below, Beale Street Bears has the latest information to prepare you for Grizz game No. 60 of 82.

Starting Lineups

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES: Mike Conley (point guard), Courtney Lee (shooting guard), Jeff Green (small forward), Zach Randolph (power forward), Marc Gasol (center)

LOS ANGELES LAKERS: Jordan Clarkson (point guard), Wayne Ellington (shooting guard), Ryan Kelly (small forward), Carlos Boozer (power forward), Robert Sacre (center)

Key Game Notes

Memphis remains No. 1 in defense amongst all NBA teams–holding opponents to just 95.7 PPG.
The Grizzlies are eighth in the NBA in team field goal percentage (46%).
The Lakers are dead last–30th–in the NBA in defense (allowing 105.9 PPG).
L.A. is 28th in field goal percentage allowed (46%).
Memphis will be facing two former Grizzlies on Friday night–Ed Davis and Wayne Ellington.
The Los Angeles Lakers are 7-30 against Western Conference opponents.
The Lakers are currently riding a three-game losing streak.
Other than Nick Young (questionable for tonight), the Lakers’ top available scorer is Carlos Boozer–averaging 12.5 PPG this season in 24.6 minutes.

Injury Report

The Memphis Grizzlies are listing Vince Carter as questionable while he finishes his recovery from a left foot strain; however, he could make his return to the floor any game now.

The Los Angeles Lakers are reporting Kobe Bryant (torn rotator cuff), Steve Nash (back nerve irritation), Ronnie Price (elbow surgery), and Julius Randle (broken right leg) as being out. Nick “Swaggy P” Young is listed as questionable with a sore left knee.

Personal Prediction

I believe the Memphis Grizzlies will sweep the Lakers this season by winning tonight at home by 10 points. The Lakers have some young guys that can play some serious ball and Memphis will have to come ready to play, despite L.A. having a poor record. There could be some decent minutes available for the Grizzlies’ youth and end-of-the-bench players if Memphis can build a nice lead heading into the second half.

Jan 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Mike Conley (11) attempts a shot defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward Ed Davis (21) during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Memphis Grizzlies won 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Game Time

This game between the Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers will tip off at 7:00 P.M. Central Time at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. It can be seen on SportSouth television or heard on 92.9FM ESPN radio in Memphis.

Go Grizz!

More from Beale Street Bears

Home/Grizzlies News