Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies face the ultimate challenge tonight. They can either lose the game and exit the playoffs after an incredible regular season, or win the game and force the Lakers to game 7. Luckily for them, Grizzlies’ most important player, Morant, is not listed in the team’s injury report and will suit up against LeBron James and Co.
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Tonight’s game is a must-win for Memphis. Losing would lead to their unceremonious exit from what was expected to be a much more successful season. Unfortunately, the Lakers surprised them early in the series and took a 3-1 lead.
While Ja Morant’s 31-point performance in Game 5 helped the team cut down the lead to just a game, they still stand on the brink of being thrown out. The Fans would be excited to know Ja, who had a concerning hand injury at the start of the series, is not going to miss the game. This significantly improves their chances of winning.
Ja Morant will be crucial in helping the Grizzlies win
What makes Ja Morant’s presence absolutely necessary is the variety of his offensive arsenal. Morant is one of the best slashers in the league currently. At 6ft 2′, he is exceptionally fast. But, at the same time, his athleticism allows him to attack the rim like much bigger SGs and SFs.
For the Lakers, this is problematic. It is difficult to completely shut down a player of Morant’s caliber. Add Desmond Bane to the equation and defense becomes even more complex.
Heading into Friday night, the Lakers will likely come up with a plan to contain Bane and Morant. If they can’t, they will risk losing the game and taking it to game 7.
With the Bucks’ exit, there has already been a top-seeded team that has been forced out by a team that played in the play-in tournament in just the first round. The Grizzlies risk becoming the second team to face this fate.
Expected Memphis lineup in Game 6
Taylor Jenkins will want to repeat game 5’s success in the upcoming face-off. He will most likely use the same lineup again. Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, the team’s top scorers, will start in the backcourt.
Meanwhile, Grizzlies’ frontcourt will feature Dillion Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr. starting as the forwards. Xavier Tillman will continue to play as the starting center.
