The Lakers are back at home to host the Memphis Grizzlies; after splitting back-to-back games against playoff teams. The game featured several empty possessions and wasted opportunities.
The Lakers played far better in Portland on 4/10 then the game on 3/9, down by three with under a minute to go in the game the Lakers chose to attempt a low percentage three point shot as oppose to scoring a two-point basket and the game was essentially over after said shot missed.
It was a game that the Lakers could’ve won with better free throw shooting, no turnovers and better execution down the stretch. The loss was tough but far from the end of the world the Lakers will learn from the loss and move on.
Tonight’s match-up will be played between teams at the opposite end of the basketball spectrum, one preparing for the post season and the other preparing for the end of their season.
The Grizzlies have only won eight road games this season. The Lakers have beaten the Grizzlies 105-96 on 12/22/08, 115-98 on 1/31 in Memphis and 99-89 on 3/3. Tonight’s game will allow us to see the Lakers earn their 64th win of the season and earn a season sweep against the Grizzlies for the first time since the 2002-03 season. I want to see is Andrew Bynum play well and end the game healthy.
Andrew is rounding into shape and getting his timing back. The Lakers missed his presence but still managed to go 25-7 without him. He is averaging 14.5 points since his return which is only going to help elevate this team.
Kobe has averaged 30.5 points against Memphis this season while Pau has averaged 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds against his former team. The Grizzlies are playing better and coming off of good 106-89 victory over the Suns. The tandem of O.J. Mayo & Rudy Gay are averaging 42.4 points.
The Lakers need to limit the scoring opportunities of Rudy Gay & O.J. Mayo but there isn’t one ‘Grizzlie’ that demands a double team. Defensively, the Lakers need to stay on their man and play solid man-to-man defense without fouling.
The Lakers need to establish Pau & Andrew in the low post and allow them to go to work as well as set the table for everyone else.
The Lakers need to focus on playing strong defense, forcing turnovers, challenging shots and playing defense without fouling. L.A. has to control the tempo, the glass, get back in transition and rotate out to three point shooters to get the win.
Tipoff: 6:30 PM PST
Television -
- Los Angeles: FS West 1 HD (Joel Myers & Stu Lantz)
- Memphis: FS Tennessee (Pete Pranica & Sean Tuohy)
Radio -
- Los Angeles: AM570 KLAC (Spero Dedes & Mychal Thompson)
- Memphis: WRBO 103.5 FM (Eric Hasseltine, Hank McDowell & Elliot Perry)
Injuries -
Lakers:
- None to report.
Grizzlies:
- Quinton Ross (Sore Quadriceps)
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