Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers (12/27) Preview

The Memphis Grizzlies will look to avenge their loss against the Phoenix Suns last nights as they face the Los Angeles Lakers. Can they do it?

The Memphis Grizzlies, once again, lost in the last second last night. Dragon Bender threw a perfectly-timed lob to Tyson Chandler who straight annihilated Brandan Wright below the basket for the jam. The heartbreak notched another loss in the column for the Grizzlies as they’re now 10-24 this season.

As they enter tonight’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, it’ll be an interesting showdown between two teams in the same position but different direction. After making the playoffs for seven straight years, the Grizzlies find themselves in the lottery race — lacking any sort of direction. The Los Angeles are in the same race but are trending upward. After a win in Houston and two close games against the Warriors recently, we’re realizing how good this team could be.

What are some of the keys for this game?

Key Players

• Lakers: Kyle Kuzma

The 27th pick in the 2017 draft has been an absolute stud this season — see you can get good players this late in the first round. Kuzma is averaging 18.1 points on 41.6 percent shooting from deep and 6.8 rebounds. Since re-entering the starting lineup, he’s been a superstar — averaging 28.5 points, 7.8 rebounds and three assists over four games. The Grizzlies don’t have many weapons to stop him, especially with JaMychal Green out. If they explodes in this game, it won’t be pretty for the Grizzlies.

• Grizzlies: Dillon Brooks

The Grizzlies’ rookie could potentially have a solid game here. While Caldwell-Pope is a great defender, he’ll probably spend more time on Tyreke Evans. Brooks needs to capitalize on open spot-up attempts from 3 and on lanes to the hoop. Memphis is going to need the role players to step up to keep up with the Lakers’ dynamite offense. Look no further than Dillon Brooks.

Key Matchup

• Marc Gasol vs. Lakers big men

Marc Gasol will see many different looks from the Lakers’ big men tonight. He’ll need to be on his A-game to keep up on one of the deepest frontcourts in basketball. Of course, there’s Kyle Kuzma who’s been incredible the past several games. However, they’ll probably have Brooks on him. Julius Randle is a quick, powerful big man with a smooth handle. Larry Nance is a human pogo stick and will put you on a poster. Andrew Bogut, like Gasol, is a big man who can distribute the basketball and protect the paint very well.

These slumping Grizzlies need a big performance from their leader. Can he follow up a poor shooting night with his best game of the season?

More from Beale Street Bears

• Dillon Brooks speaks out after beating former Grizzlies teammate in World Cup
• Jaren Jackson Jr. puts ex-Grizzlies teammate on notice
• 3 players Grizzlies would consider trading Ja Morant for
• Grizzlies star Jaren Jackson Jr. put on blast following FIBA elimination
• Ex-Grizzlies guard signs with title favorite, joins forces with 6-time All-Star

Game Info

Who: Memphis Grizzlies at Los Angeles Lakers

When: 9:30 PM – ct

Where: Staples Center — Los Angeles, CA

How to watch: Fox Sports Southeast

How to listen: 92.9 ESPN – Memphis