Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers
Spread: Lakers -5
Total: 225.5
Injuries
Memphis Grizzlies
Dillon Brooks (Hand) - OUT
Los Angeles Lakers
Wayne Ellington (Hamstring) - OUT
Kendrick Nunn (Ankle) - OUT
Talen Horton-Tucker (Thumb) - OUT
Trevor Ariza (Ankle) - OUT
**Please note that players not listed below are not necessarily a complete fade and any player listed can certainly be used as the MVP/Captain. These are merely suggestions for players to use when setting Showdown lineups.
MVP/CPT
Anthony Davis, LAL PF - Davis has impressed thought the first two games of the season, averaging 27.5 points with 12.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steals in matchups against the Warriors and Suns. Tonight he draws a matchup against the Grizzlies who will throw out Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr. in their front court. The matchup against Adams may be the toughest test for him yet but Jackson can be a bit foul happy which is something AD will look to take advantage of.
Ja Morant, MEM PG - Going at Russell Westbrook is always an advantageous matchup for the opposing point guard. Not only is RWB a bad defender but he also turns the basketball over a ton. Morant is also off to an incredible start to the year, averaging 32.5 points with 4.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists, 1.0 blocks and 0.5 steals per game.
LeBron James, LAL SF - James had a fantastic opening night, scoring 34 points with 11 rebounds and five assists. He had a much tougher test against the Suns in Game 2 and still scored a respectable 25 points but lacked in the secondary categories. Tonight's draw against the Grizzlies should be a much better opportunity for James as they play at a quicker pace and not nearly as strong on the defensive side of the ball.
UTIL
Jaren Jackson Jr, MEM PF - Good start to the season for Jackson who is finally healthy and playing solid minutes for the Grizzlies. Now, the matchup against Anthony Davis could be a bit of a problem for him on both sides of the court as he does have a propensity for fouls however if he can stay out of foul trouble he is a player that can fill up the stat sheet nicely.
Russell Westbrook, LAL PG - After a down opening night we saw RWB put forth an elite effort against the Suns, scoring 15 points with 11 rebounds, nine assist, one block and two steals for 48 fantasy points. The matchup against the Grizzlies should be one to look at tonight but note he is also one of the top priced players on the slate as well.
Steven Adams, MEM C - The Grizzlies traded the offensive minded Jonas Valanciunas for the defensive minded Steven Adams in the offseason and Adams has been strong on both ends of the court, averaging 12.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. He should be locked in for 30+ minutes tonight as the Grizzlies look for him to body up this big Lakers front court.
De'Anthony Melton, MEM SG - We have been touting this dude for a few seasons now saying all he needed was the minutes and through the first two games of the season he is averaging 21.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists over 31.5 minutes. Going at this Lakers backcourt is going to be the strategy for most of the season.
Desmond Bane, MEM SF - To keep the them rolling here, more Grizzlies. Bane probably has the toughest test as he likely draws some matchups against LeBron James but the Grizzlies first round pick from last season is off to a hot start, averaging 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Dart Throws
Carmelo Anthony, LAL PF - Have to encouraged from what we have seen from Anthony to start the season as he is averaging nearly 25 minutes off the bench with 12.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game. He is 6-for-10 from three-point range to start the year and will take a lot of shots off the bench for the Lakers this season.