Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies Preview and Prediction

Following a blow out 33-point loss to the Toronto Raptors last night, the Lakers have a chance to take advantage of an injury riddled Memphis squad tonight.

What happens when an unstoppable force (Julius Randle) meets an immovable object (Zach Randolph)? Unfortunately, Randolph is out tonight against the Lakers, so we won’t know for sure.

My guess is the unstoppable force picks up another double-double, while the immovable objects eats another double-double.

The Memphis Grizzlies currently hold the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference, a spot the Lake Show have a real shot at if they can steal a win against the Grizzlies tonight, according to Bleacher Report’s LA Lakers Lead Writer, Eric Pincus:

"The Lakers will draw the Grizzlies twice without Conley and the Blazers four times before the season comes to a close. Those six games could help propel the Lakers to the playoffs, considering how close these teams are in terms of records, provided L.A. survives injuries and a heavy schedule ahead."

Pincus also mentions the “struggling” Trailblazers as a team the Lakers can catch up to in the standings. If the season ended today, the Purple and Gold would just miss the playoffs, sitting at ninth place in the west.

If LA can stay at .500 until their starting backcourt, D’Angelo Russell and Nick Young, come back, they have a real chance at sneaking into the playoffs.

However, tonight is one of those games they can’t afford to lose. No slow starts, no sloppy defense and no Metta World Peace. Please.

Here is where to catch tonight’s action.

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Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies

Date: Saturday, December 3
Start Time: 5:00 p.m. PT
Location: Memphis, TN
Arena: FedExForum
TV Info: Spectrum Sportsnet
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Radio: Here

Injury Report

Los Angeles Lakers: D’Angelo Russell – Knee (Out), Nick Young – Calf (Out), Larry Nance Jr. – Knee (Questionable)

Memphis Grizzlies: Vince Carter – Hip (Doubtful), Mike Conley – Back (Out), Zach Randolph – Personal (Out) , James Ennis – Calf (Out), Chandler Parsons – Knee (Out), Brandan Wright – Ankle (Out)

Prediction

What is Marc Gasol but a poor man’s Ivica Zubac anyway? All jokes aside, for the time being Marc Gasol doesn’t have a ton of talent surrounding him. What he does have is a sweet 3-point shot that makes him one of the most dangerous big men in the league.

Even without a real NBA roster on the floor with him, Gasol can single handedly win games for his team, like he did Thursday in the Grizzlies’ 95-94 win over the Hornets. That is terrifying.

However, if Memphis wants to pull out a win tonight, they’re going to need a lot more than another 11 point outing from Andrew Harrison.

LA’s bench mob is going to play a huge factor tonight. Lou Williams and Jordan Clarkson have both established themselves as legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidates this season. Larry Nance Jr. and Tarik Black are a headache for any second string big man unit.  And Brandon Ingram is just long. Like, really long.

Memphis doesn’t really have a starting lineup, let alone a bench unit.

Expect the Grizzlies to look less like the bear from The Revenant and more like Leonardo DiCaprio’s character post-mauling tonight.

Next: Who is the Lakers' Future Starting SG?

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