Lakers Look to Bounce Back Against Grizzlies Amidst Key Injuries.
The Memphis Grizzlies face the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET at FedExForum.
The Lakers, in their first season under head coach JJ Redick, have a 4-3 record, with early-season losses to the Suns, Cavaliers, and Pistons. Despite their strong 3-0 start, they have hit setbacks on this road trip.
The Grizzlies sit at 4-4, with wins against the Jazz, Magic, 76ers, and Bucks. Under head coach Taylor Jenkins, now in his fifth season, Memphis remains focused on securing its first NBA championship.
The Memphis Grizzlies (3-5-0 ATS) have covered the spread 37.5% of the time, which is 19.6% less frequently than the Los Angeles Lakers (4-3-0) this season.
Memphis has covered the spread in just 20% of games when favored by 1.5 points or more, a lower rate than Los Angeles, which covers 75% of the time as a 1.5-point or greater underdog.
In terms of the over/under, the Grizzlies hit the over 62.5% of the time, while the Lakers do so 57.1% of the time. As a moneyline favorite, Memphis has a 2-3 record, while Los Angeles holds a 1-2 mark as a moneyline underdog.
The Lakers are coming off a 115-103 loss to the Pistons on Monday, despite a strong performance from Anthony Davis, who recorded 37 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. However, Davis is listed as questionable for Wednesday’s game after appearing to aggravate a left ankle injury during the loss to the Pistons.
Christian Wood (knee) and Jarred Vanderbilt (foot) will also remain out for the Lakers.
The Grizzlies’ last game was a 106-104 loss to the Nets on Monday. Ja Morant scored 25 points in the Grizzlies’ loss, leading the team.
The Memphis Grizzlies are dealing with numerous injuries, impacting key players like Marcus Smart (ankle), Desmond Bane (oblique), and Luke Kennard (foot). Cam Spencer (ankle) and Vince Williams Jr. (lower leg) are expected to miss weeks, while GG Jackson II (foot) targets a mid-January return.
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The Lakers have struggled on this road trip, and Anthony Davis’ recent ankle injury during Monday’s loss could provide an opportunity for the Grizzlies in this matchup. Davis is listed as questionable, though past circumstances suggest he may sit this one out.
If Davis is unavailable, the Grizzlies become a strong pick. Additionally, LeBron James logged 40 minutes on Monday, and fatigue could be a factor at the end of this extended road stretch. The potential absence of Davis’ 32.6 points per game would be a significant setback for Los Angeles.
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