Is Desmond Bane Playing Tonight vs Magic? Grizzlies Guard’s Status After 26/16 Blasphemy Against Lakers

The Memphis Grizzlies are on the road to face the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center. The matchup promises to be an interesting inter-conference match. Though the Grizzlies are out of contention for the playoffs. They will look forward to lowering the qualifying chances of Orlando Magic.

But the one question that remains in everyone’s mind is: Is Desmond Bane playing tonight after his electrifying performance against the Lakers?

Will Bane Play Against Magic ?

Bane is listed as OUT with back soreness. This is a significant blow for the Memphis Grizzlies considering the team’s current struggles and the valuable experience Bane provides for their young core. Bane’s name is another name on Grizzlies’ injury list. Along with him, Marcus Smart, Ja Morant, Danny Green, Ziarie Williams are also ruled out.

Desmond Bane gave a career high performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night. But his heroics weren’t enough to take the Grizzlies over the line. They lost to the Lakers by 12 points. Bane was unstoppable that night, as he scored a career high 26 points and provided 12 assists. Some fans called his performance as ‘Blasphemy’. Apart from Bane, rookie Jake LaRavia scored 25 points out of which 14 came in the 4th quarter. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 17 points but unfortunately, they fell short.

It will be interesting to see how the Grizzlies play despite all these setbacks. Players like Jake LaRavia and Jaren Jackson have stepped up in recent games, providing hope for the team’s future. But if Bane, Smart, Green, Morant are unavailable the efforts of young guns might go in vain.

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Predicted Lineups: Magic vs Grizzlies

The Orlando Magic are currently 5th ranked in the Eastern Conference. Their recent form has been decent as they have won 5 games out of their last 10 games. They have a very strong record at home winning 25 games out of 37 games. The Magic have averages of 110.4 points per game this season which is 26th ranked overall in the league. But they have been so strong on the defensive end. They have only conceded 108.5 points per game this season which is 3rd overall in the league. This is how they could lineup: Jalen Suggs, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner, Gary Harris.

The Memphis Grizzlies are currently ranked 13th in Western Conference. They have won 2 out of their last 10 games. They have won only 24 games this season. Their away record this season isn’t impressive. They have just won 8 games out of 36 away games. The Grizzlies averages 106.1 points per game this season which is the worst overall in the league. They have conceded 113.1 points per game this season which is 13th overall in the league. With the notable absence of many main players, this is how they could lineup: GG Jackson, Luke Kennard, Scotty Pippen Jr., Jake LaRavia, Jaren Jackson Jr. 

This match is an exciting opportunity for both teams. The Magic have a chance to solidify their playoff position, while the Grizzlies can give their young players valuable experience against a surging Eastern Conference team. The Magic surely has an upper hand, but the Grizzlies will be determined to end their losing streak.

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