Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night as they, essentially, controlled their matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers for all four quarters to even their best-of-seven series at 1-1 with a 103-93 victory. Thanks largely in part to a standout performance from Xavier Tillman, who finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds on 10-13 shooting, Memphis was able to pick up a big win and hold off a late run by LeBron James and the Lakers.
Now, these two teams will have another extended break with Game 3 in Los Angeles coming on Saturday. If Morant is healthy enough to go at that point, the Grizzlies could have a real opportunity to retake control of this series with a win on the road. If LeBron James is the only Lakers player who is efficient from the floor on Saturday, as Anthony Davis and D’Angelo Russell both struggled from the field tonight, it could be an uphill battle for Los Angeles if they want to take a 2-1 series lead.
Grizzlies say Ja Morant is out for Game 2 vs. Lakers.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 19, 2023
No breaks or fractures in Grizzlies star Ja Morant’s right hand, sources say. His status remains up in air for Game 2 vs. Lakers with what’s believed to be a significant pain tolerance injury. Reporting from Run It Back on @FanDuelTV: pic.twitter.com/MKqhnPamfY
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 18, 2023