The Memphis Grizzlies will play Tuesday against the Los Angeles Lakers without their star player, Ja Morant, who will sit out the game amid an ongoing NBA investigation into his conduct. After the Grizzlies’ loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night, Morant posted a video on social media in which he appeared to be holding a gun. Dillon Brooks is also out with a one-game suspension, while Brandon Clark and Steven Adams will miss the game with injuries.
Despite missing key players, the Grizzlies put up a fierce battle with the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, rallying to take a lead in the third quarter but falling 129-135. Tyus Jones had a strong third quarter, scoring 20 points, while Desmond Bann led the team with 30 points overall.
The Lakers, on the other hand, have won five of their last seven games and are in 11th place in the Western Conference. They were able to hold their own despite LeBron James missing the past four games with a hamstring injury and D’Angelo Russell possibly missing the game with an ankle injury.
Anthony Davis is averaging 33.8 points and 11.8 rebounds in his last four games. In a recent win over the Golden State Warriors, Davis scored 39 points and shot 56 percent from the field. He is listed as probable for Tuesday’s game despite a bruised right foot.
The Lakers previously lost to Memphis on Feb. 28 in a game in which Morant had a triple-double with 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. However, Davis also had a strong performance in that game with 28 points and 19 rebounds.
The Lakers will aim to continue their momentum and secure a win over the short-handed Grizzlies on Tuesday.
