Los Angeles Lakers (29-30) vs Memphis Grizzlies (23-38)
Where to Watch
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 26
Time: 6:30 AM IST
TV: Sony ESPN
Location: FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN
Game Preview
During the 2012-13 season, the Los Angeles Lakers had a record of 29-30 after 59 games. A then 34-year old Kobe Bryant played a ton of minutes over the final stretch of the regular season and led the franchise to the Playoffs as the 7th seed with a 45-37 record.
Six years later, the team finds themselves in the same position - a 29-30 record after 59 games. Can the 34-year LeBron James repeat what the Black Mamba achieved?
Only time will tell but it's not looking great.
Their most recent loss came against an Anthony-Davis less New Orleans Pelicans squad.
As per tankathon, the combined record of the Lakers' remaining opponents is the 10th toughest in the league. To make matters worse, their key opponents in the Playoff race - the LA Clippers and the Sacramento Kings have the 8th and 5th easiest remaining schedule respectively.
According to reports, Lonzo Ball is set to miss even more time with a bone bruise in his left ankle.
While this is a must-win for the Lakers to stay alive in the Playoff race, the same can't be said for the Grizzlies.
The Memphis franchise is placed 14th in the Western Conference, 10 games behind the eighth-seeded Clippers.
Since leading the Western Conference at the Thanksgiving break at 12-5, the Grizzlies have won just eleven games in 44 chances which includes multiple losing streaks (3) of five or more and a stretch where they lost 14 of 15 games.
Despite having the 6th-best defense in the league, the Grizzlies' 29th ranked offense (103.9 rating) is not helping their cause.
After a positive start, the season seems to be slipping from under the Grizzlies.
They traded away one of their best players in Marc Gasol to the Toronto Raptors. Injuries will keep out a couple of key members from their rotation.
Game Notes
- The Memphis Grizzlies have 14-16 record at home at the FedEx Forum.
- On the other hand, the Lakers have a 12-18 record on the road and have lost four of their last five in away arenas.
- The Lakers and Grizzlies have split their previous two matchups and this contest is the season series finale.
- Memphis are surely set to miss Jarren Jackson Jr. (Thigh), Kyle Anderson (Shoulder), and Dillon Brooks (Toe). Veteran Mike Conley (Knee) is considered a game-time decision.
- Meanwhile, the Lakers will surely miss Lonzo Ball (Ankle) and recently acquired Mike Muscala (Ankle) is considered a game-time decision.
Last Time They Played
Date: Dec. 24, 2018
Score: Lakers 99-107 Grizzlies
Lakers: LeBron James - 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 7 assists on 8-of-14 shooting.
Grizzlies: Jarren Jackson Jr. - 27 points and 9 rebounds on 11-of-21 shooting.
Dallas Mavericks (26-33) vs LA Clippers (33-28)
Where to Watch
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 26
Time: 9:00 AM IST
TV: Sony ESPN
Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Game Preview
When the LA Clippers traded their then best player in Tobias Harris to the Philadelphia 76ers, there was a sense that the team could slip out of the race for the final few spots in the Western Conference.
Instead, the team has held it's ground. Since the trade, the Clippers has gone a respectable 3-3 in their six games.
They are currently in charge of the eighth seed in the West, holding a 1-game lead over the Sacramento Kings and a 3-game lead over the Lakers.
As mentioned earlier, the Clippers have among the easiest remaining schedules in the league with eight of their next eleven games at home at the Staples Center.
Given their team chemistry, they are heavily favoured in the matchup with the Mavericks as the Dallas franchise is reportedly going to suit up without their best player in Luka Doncic.
The Mavericks, despite not being officially eliminated, seem to be out of the race for Playoff spots having lost their last four games and five of their last six.
Game Notes
- The LA Clippers have a home record of 16-12 at the Staples Center.
- The Mavericks' road record is among the worst in the league, having lost 23 of their 29 games.
- This is the season series finale between the Mavericks and the Clippers. Dallas have won two of the three previous matchups.
- The Clippers have two players listed as game-time decisions for this contest - Luc Mbah A Moute (Knee) and Wilson Chandler (Quadriceps).
- Meanwhile, the Mavericks are surely set to miss J.J. Barea (Achilles) and Kristaps Porzingis (Knee) while the duo of Luka Doncic (Ankle) and Maxi Kleber (Illness).
Last Time They Played
Date: Jan. 23, 2019
Score: Clippers 98-106 Mavericks
Clippers: Patrick Beverley - 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Mavericks: DeAndre Jordan - 13 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks on 6-of-8 shooting.
