Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview – Nov 13

On Wednesday night, the Memphis Grizzlies head to Los Angeles for a rematch against the Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena. This comes just a week after Memphis dominated the Lakers 131-114 on their home court. Both teams are looking to make a statement in this Western Conference clash, and the stakes are higher with both teams jockeying for playoff positioning early in the season.
The Grizzlies, despite missing key players, have kept their momentum alive with dominant offensive performances. The Lakers, meanwhile, are undefeated at home this season and aim to continue their strong play at Crypto.com Arena. This game could provide a turning point for either team as they navigate a highly competitive Western Conference.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis has thrived in recent games, averaging an impressive 131 points over their last two outings, even without Ja Morant, who remains sidelined with a hip injury. In their last victory, a 134-89 rout of the Trail Blazers, the Grizzlies had seven players score in double digits. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the charge with 20 points while also making his presence felt on the defensive end.
Despite being short-handed, Memphis has shown resilience. Key contributors like Santi Aldama and Xavier Tillman have stepped up, helping the team maintain offensive firepower and defensive intensity. Memphis also displayed a historic defensive effort in their win over Portland, limiting the Trail Blazers to just 9.5% shooting from beyond the arc. The team will need a similar all-around performance to overcome a Lakers squad that has been dominant at home.
Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins has emphasized adaptability, calling on Jackson to take on a larger offensive role. With Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart still out, the Grizzlies will rely on contributions from their bench and role players to support Jackson in this high-stakes matchup.
Jaren Jackson Jr. remains the focal point for Memphis, and his two-way play will be critical against Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers returned home after a challenging road trip and promptly secured back-to-back wins against Philadelphia and Toronto. LeBron James continues to defy age with consistent triple-double performances, including 19 points, 16 assists, and 10 rebounds in their victory over the Raptors. Anthony Davis, who briefly left the last game due to an eye injury, is expected to return for this contest.
Los Angeles boasts a perfect 5-0 record at home, with strong contributions from Austin Reaves, who scored 27 points against Toronto, and Rui Hachimura, providing key defensive efforts. The Lakers will aim to continue their stellar home performances and tighten up defensively after struggling on the road.
One area of concern for Los Angeles is maintaining consistent offensive efficiency. While James and Davis have been reliable, the Lakers will need better production from their role players. The team’s ability to limit turnovers and control the pace will be vital in this rematch.
LeBron James will once again take center stage, leading the Lakers in their quest to protect home court.
Prediction
- Pick: Los Angeles Lakers -6.5
- Score Prediction: Los Angeles 118, Memphis 110
The Lakers’ perfect home record gives them the edge in this matchup. LeBron James and Anthony Davis are playing at a high level, and the team’s defensive adjustments should help slow Memphis’ high-scoring offense. The Grizzlies’ depth has kept them competitive, but missing key players like Morant and Bane may hinder their ability to keep pace with Los Angeles over four quarters.
Expect the Lakers to control the tempo early and utilize their defensive strengths to contain Memphis’ versatile attack. The game will likely remain close for much of the contest, but the Lakers’ ability to close out games at home should secure them the victory. Memphis has the tools to challenge, but Los Angeles’ experience and home-court advantage should prove too much to overcome.