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Memphis Grizzlies host Los Angeles Lakers: Preview, how to watch, betting odds

By Jakob Eliason

Mar 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during an NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Zach Randolph (50) is defended by Los Angeles Lakers forward Julius Randle (30) during an NBA game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers collide tonight in a Western Conference battle of the bruised.

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies (12-8) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (10-11)

WHERE: FedEx Forum – Memphis, Tennessee

WHEN: December 3, 2016 – 7:00 p.m. CST

HOW TO WATCH: Fox Sports Southeast (or you could stream it online, but you didn’t hear that from me)

HOW TO LISTEN: 92.9 ESPN Radio Memphis

BETTING (if you’re into that):  Memphis (-2.5); over/under 199.5

About the Lakers (10-11, 4-7 road)

The Lakers travel to Memphis tonight to play their fourth game in five days.  On top of that, they’ve all been on the road.  And while most eyes are on the Grizzlies injuries, it is important to note that both D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young are both sidelined for the Lakers as well. Being an already young team with a still-maturing Brandon Ingram (second overall pick), rookie-ish head coach Luke Walton has his hands full.  The Lakers are coming off of a 33-point loss to the same Toronto team that Memphis battled with earlier this week.

About the Grizzlies (12-8, 6-4 home)

After two Conley-less games, optimism is slowly being restored in Grind City.  Mike Conley was injured Monday night in the Grizzlies loss to the Hornets, leaving the Grizzlies with only nine available players.  Since then, Memphis has seen stellar performances from both Andrew Harrison and Troy Daniels, averaging 16 and 19 points over the two games, respectively.  Memphis is currently tied for 5th in the conference with the OKC Thunder.

Looking past Conley’s absence, Chandler Parsons, James Ennis and Zach Randolph should all be returning to the lineup within the next week, offering a small silver lining against the upcoming Warriors and Cavaliers.

Related Story: Details on Mike Conley's fractured back

Keys to Win

  • Andrew Harrison:  In case you didn’t know, the Lakers point guards aren’t the best defenders. Being shorthanded makes that situation worse.  Andrew Harrison scored 21 points on Kyle Lowry this week in Toronto, signaling that he should have no problems with Jose Calderon and Jordan Clarkson.
  • Gasol v Mozgov:  In the marquee matchup of the evening, Gasol must win the battle on the block (or beyond the arc, either one).  Mozgov defends the rim well, but the Grizz have done an excellent job of getting opposing big-men in foul trouble so far this year.
  • CRASH THE BOARDS:  Memphis ranks 28th in the league in rebounding.  The Lakers? They rank 10th.  The Grizzlies are still the better team, so winning the rebounding battle should secure another win.
  • Make Brandon Ingram shoot: As mentioned earlier, the second overall draft pick is struggling this year.  Ingram is shooting 35-percent from the field, including only 28-percent from beyond-the-arc. Without Russell and Young, Ingram should see more responsibility. Let’s hope he sticks to his own status-quo.

Prediction

The Grizzlies are down, but they’re not out.  The Grindhouse is a tough place to play, and the Lakers are on their fourth straight road game in five nights.  Regardless of Conley’s absence, the Lakers just don’t defend point guards well.  I’m taking the Grizzlies tonight, restoring more optimism to the fan-base in Grind City.

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