#7 seeds don’t usually make a lot of noise in the NBA Playoffs, but the Lakers are defying expectations this season. They’ll welcome the #2 seed Memphis Grizzlies to Los Angeles for the second time in this series on Monday night.
The first time came Saturday night, when the Lakers defeated the Grizzlies 111-101 to grab a 2-1 series lead. Because Los Angeles split the games in Memphis, the Grizzlies absolutely need this to recapture home-court advantage for the last three games.
Update Injury Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies
The Los Angeles Lakers don’t have any players that aren’t available, which is unusual for them this season.
A healthy LeBron James, an active Anthony Davis, and a lineup energized by the trade deadline are maintaining the level of play that propelled them to the playoffs.
The defense of Los Angeles deserves credit for stymieing Memphis’ attacking effort. Anthony Davis has been a force on the defensive end, tallying 15 blocks in three games.
Good luck scoring on the Lakers right now with Davis holding down the paint at a DPOY level.
AD is still listed as probable by the Lakers, and he is still playing with a foot injury. Check back closer to kickoff for an official update on his status.
LeBron James (foot) is expected to play in Monday’s Game 4 against Memphis.
James, Anthony Davis (foot), and Dennis Schroder (foot) are all listed as probable, although they’ve all played in every postseason game and will most likely do so again on Monday.
James has averaging 24.7 points, 10.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.3 steals in 36.3 minutes per game through the first three games of the opening-round series.
The Lakers have a fantastic opportunity in this game. They can take a 3-1 lead in this series and do so at home, where they’ve been far superior. The Grizzlies were rattled on Saturday as a result of the raucous crowd.
Ja Morant scored 45 points on 50% shooting in Game 3. He also grabbed nine rebounds, handed out 13 assists, and had only three turnovers. All while shooting with his damaged right hand.
Despite wearing a brace on his injured right hand, Morant was excellent throughout, scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter to put the Grizzles within striking distance.
The effort ultimately fell short, but Memphis will need similar productivity from Morant in the future if they expect to preserve the series.
Memphis scored 101 points on 37.6% shooting. Morant’s supporting cast contributed 56 points on 32.8% shooting from the field. That will never get a team very far in the playoffs.
The absence of Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke due to injury does not assist their situation. Nonetheless, everything is under their control. Memphis, on the other hand, went 16-25 on the road during the regular season.
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Injury Report Grizzlies:
| PLAYER | INJURY | STATUS |
| Jake LaRavia | Calf | Expected to be out until at least Apr 26 |
| Steven Adams | Knee | Expected to be out until at least Jul 1 |
| Brandon Clarke | Achilles | Out for the season |
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Injury Report Lakers:
| PLAYER | INJURY | STATUS |
| LeBron James | Foot | Game Time Decision |
| Anthony Davis | Foot | Game Time Decision |
| Dennis Schroder | Foot | Game Time Decision |
