Lakers vs Grizzlies: Injury Report, Depth Chart & More in This Heated Rivalry

The Lakers will try to bounce back on Wednesday, facing the Memphis Grizzlies again—the same team that handed them a tough loss last week. The purple and gold are determined to keep their home record perfect. But, some positive news arises for the Los Angeles Lakers in the interesting matchup. Anthony Davis could play against the Grizzlies who missed the match they lost to Ja Morant and Co. Could he be the missing piece the Lakers lacked last time?

Davis’s return promises an exciting showdown with Jaren Jackson Jr., who’s been dominant lately. Jackson put up 39 points against the Washington Wizards on November 8th and led the Grizzlies with 20 points in their November 10th victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Knowing Davis will suit up Wednesday gives Memphis extra time to plan, though it’s not the first time they’ve expected him on the court. As Jackson noted, “I thought he was going to play last game, so it’s the same preparation.”

Riding a two-game winning streak and energized by Davis’s return, the Lakers enter Thursday’s matchup with a boost of confidence. Though the game won’t impact the NBA’s new tournament, it’s a valuable chance to build momentum before facing the San Antonio Spurs in their NBA Cup opener on Friday.

Even with Ja Morant sidelined, Memphis powered through its last two games, putting up an impressive 131 points on average. In each of these three consecutive wins, the Grizzlies saw seven players reach double digits in scoring. Jay Huff added to the effort by tying a franchise record for a bench player with six blocked shots.

D’Angelo Russell absent from Los Angeles Lakers practice

Davis missed the rest of the Raptors game after getting poked in the eye, but he confirmed on Tuesday he’s good to go against Memphis. Interestingly, his eye injury didn’t even make it into the latest report. It instead highlights his ongoing plantar fasciitis. Davis spoke to the media and emphasized he was ready to play, even shrugging off the idea of wearing protective goggles. The former All-Star game MVP remains probable for the matchup.

Another notable update is D’Angelo Russell’s appearance on the injury report due to an illness, which kept him out of practice on Tuesday. He’s also ‘probable’ for the game. Jaxson Hayes stays on the list with an ankle sprain, though the team adjusted his status to probable before the Raptors game. Since then, the team has changed his status to questionable for this match.

Christian Wood, however, received some tough news regarding his recovery. Head coach JJ Redick disclosed Wood’s setback in his rehab, which will be re-evaluated in four weeks. New to the injury report is Jalen Hood-Schifino, who suffered an injury during South Bay’s G League opener after getting in some game time. Both of them are out, along with Jarred Vanderbilt.

Can the Memphis Grizzlies repeat what they did last week?

One of Memphis’ three sidelined starters may soon be back in action. Wing Marcus Smart fully participated in Tuesday’s practice before Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers after missing the last six games with a right ankle sprain. Smart, currently listed as questionable, could be a game-time decision, with head coach Taylor Jenkins saying, “We’ll see how he wakes up tomorrow.”

Meanwhile, Ja Morant and Desmond Bane are out. Jenkins classified Morant and Bane as “week-to-week” for now, though he mentioned Morant is making visible progress while still resting his hip. Bane, out for the past six games due to an oblique injury, has begun engaging in more physical drills as Memphis gears up for his eventual return.

Gregory Jackson, during a workout this summer, fractured the fifth metatarsal in his right foot. He underwent surgery in early September and was expected to be sidelined for at least three months. So he’s out as well.

Vince Williams Jr. is currently doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Lakers because of a lower leg issue. He’s been progressing toward a return, spending time with the Memphis Hustle in the G League to get back into game shape. Meanwhile, Cam Spencer, who sprained his right ankle during the Las Vegas Summer League, was initially expected back for training camp. However, he experienced a setback with a talar stress reaction around the same time and will be out against the Lakers.

The Grizzlies have the means to challenge the Lakers, particularly by exploiting their weaknesses. However, L.A. has a solid chance to counter that strategy by staying sharp on defense, securing rebounds, and sticking to their own game plan.

With Sunday’s victory over the Raptors moving them to 6-4, and Davis back in action, the Lakers have an excellent shot at securing a third consecutive win. They’ll face a Grizzlies squad coming in with a 7-4 record, ready to make this matchup a competitive one.