NBA 2018-19: Predicted Starting Lineups and Match Prediction - Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies
The Los Angeles Lakers will be looking to bounce back from a tough loss against the New Orleans Pelicans when they face the Memphis Grizzlies at the FedEx Forum. The Lakers are currently on a very rough stretch as they have won just 3 out of their last 9 games.
Their clash against the Grizzlies will be the final matchup between these two teams this regular season and the series currently stands at one apiece.
Match Details:
Los Angeles Lakers (29-30) vs Memphis Grizzlies (23-38)
When: 26th February 2019, 6:30 AM IST
Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis
The Los Angeles Lakers' perspective
The Los Angeles Lakers are in a really troublesome situation and the time is running out for them and they need to approach every game like it is their last game of the season. They cannot relax or take any of their upcoming games lightly.
They have a relatively easier schedule and there is a high chance that LeBron James will drag this team to the playoffs. However, LeBron is not getting younger with each passing day and is certainly not the same LeBron he once was.
Also, there is no point in just reaching the playoffs and then losing in the first round. LeBron has a lot of gas left in the tank and the supporting crew need to come up alive with key contributions if they want to give themselves any chance of making to the postseason.
The predicted Los Angeles Lakers' starting line-up:
Kyle Kuzma (F), LeBron James (F), Brandon Ingram (F), Javale McGee (C) and Reggie Bullock (G)
The Memphis Grizzlies' perspective
It is sad to see Mike Conley Jr. and the Memphis Grizzlies lose continuously. Even though they started the season well, they somehow lost the way during the middle of the season and find themselves out of the playoffs contention.
The Grizzlies recently traded their veteran Marc Gasol to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas, Delon Wright, CJ Miles and a 2024 second-round draft pick. Their recent game ended in a loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The predicted Memphis Grizzlies' starting line-up:
Ivan Rabb (F), Justin Holiday (F), Jonas Valanciunas (C), Mike Conley (G) and Avery Bradley (G)
How the things might unfold
The Lakers are expected to correct their mistakes from the previous game where they committed a lot of turnovers. The things are not going to be very easy for the Lakers as the Grizzlies have enough fire power to challenge them. However, expect LeBron James to takeover and will them to victory.
Prediction
Lakers for the win.