The Memphis Grizzlies host the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, January 4 at Crypto.com Arena with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM ET. Memphis enters with a 15-19 record and a three-game losing streak. Los Angeles is 21-11 and is on a one-game winning streak.
Injuries are an important factor for both teams. Memphis will be without Brandon Clarke (right calf), Zach Edey (left ankle), Ty Jerome (right calf), John Konchar (left thumb), Scotty Pippen Jr. (left big toe) and Vince Williams Jr. (left kneecap). Santi Aldama, Ja Morant, Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Javon Small are all considered questionable.
The Lakers are missing Rui Hachimura (right calf), Austin Reaves (left calf), Adou Thiero (right MCL) and Gabe Vincent (lumbar back). These absences could change the rotations and minutes of both teams’ key contributors.
Memphis’ leading scorer Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 18.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 32 games. Ja Morant is averaging 19.0 points and 7.6 assists in 18 games but is questionable due to a right calf contusion. Santi Aldama contributes 14.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game when available.
Los Angeles relies heavily on Luka Doncic, who averages 33.6 points, 8.7 assists and 8.1 rebounds. LeBron James adds 20.9 points and 6.5 assists per game. With Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura out, the Lakers will look to Doncic, James and Deandre Ayton – who is averaging 14.3 points and 8.5 rebounds – to carry the scoring load.
The teams have already met three times this season, with Los Angeles winning all three games, including a 128-121 win on Jan. 2.
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