Preview: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers – Prediction, Team News, and Form Guid
The Memphis Grizzlies will host the Los Angeles Lakers in their first 2024-25 NBA season matchup at FedExForum Arena on Thursday.
Both teams are coming off losses, with the Grizzlies narrowly falling to the Brooklyn Nets and the Lakers losing in Detroit, their first defeat there since 2021.
Match Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies were denied a third consecutive win after a close 106-104 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, featuring 11 ties and 17 lead changes. The Grizzlies’ Santi Aldama missed a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer.
Veteran Dennis Schroder led the Nets with 20 points, six assists, and two rebounds, recovering from two poor shooting performances. Ja Morant and rookie Zack Edey kept Memphis in the game, each scoring 25 points, with Edey adding 12 rebounds for his second NBA double-double.
Previously, the Grizzlies had achieved back-to-back wins, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 122-99 and the Philadelphia 76ers 124-107. The recent loss puts them at a 4-4 record, placing them 10th in the Western Conference standings.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers suffered their third loss in four games with a 115-103 defeat to the Detroit Pistons. Anthony Davis scored 37 points for his fifth 30+ point game, while LeBron James posted a double-double with 20 points and 11 assists, but it wasn’t enough.
Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 26 points, including a clutch three-pointer late in the game, and Cade Cunningham contributed a triple-double with 17 points, 11 assists, and 11 rebounds.
After starting the season with four consecutive wins, the Lakers have now lost three of their last four, falling to the Suns, Cavaliers, and Pistons. They are one of the league’s top-scoring teams but struggle defensively, ranking 27th in defensive efficiency.
Before returning home for three games, the Lakers will wrap up their five-game road trip at FedExForum, where they’ve won their last two visits, beating Memphis 136-124 in March and 123-120 shortly after.
Team News
Rookie Zack Edey, picked ninth overall, scored a career-high 25 points against the Nets, continuing his strong NBA start. Ja Morant, now fully recovered from an ankle injury, also scored 25 points, adding five rebounds and nine assists. Luke Kennard (foot) and John Konchar (quadriceps) are questionable for Thursday’s game, while Cam Spencer and Williams Jr. are out with ankle and leg injuries.
For the Lakers, Anthony Davis is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury, a concerning setback given his league-leading 32.6 points per game and defensive impact. Christian Wood remains sidelined as he recovers from knee surgery.
Projected Starting Lineups
Memphis Grizzlies: Morant, Pippen, Edey, Aldama, Jackson Jr.
Los Angeles Lakers: Russell, Reaves, Davis, Hachimura, LeBron
Prediction: Grizzlies to Win by 3+ Points
Both teams seek to rebound from Tuesday’s losses, but the Lakers have struggled on the road, where all three of their losses have occurred this season. We predict the Grizzlies will secure a close victory.