The Memphis Grizzlies will be facing a 2-3 series disadvantage to LeBron James and the Cavaliers going into Friday’s game on the road at Crypto.com Arena.
Memphis’ second-seed status and deficit in the first-round series are bad enough, but Game 6 in Los Angeles may see the Grizzlies without one of their finest offensive players.
Sharpshooter Luke Kennard missed the remainder of Game 5 due to a shoulder injury he sustained late in the contest.
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Kennard’s condition hasn’t changed ahead of Game 6 on Friday; he is still labeled as questionable for what may be the Grizzlies’ final game of the season.
Grizzlies wing Luke Kennard has not taken a shot or really even moved that injured left shoulder since media has been allowed into shootaround. He s listed as questionable for Game 6 tonight.
Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 28, 2023
The 26-year-old is always a threat from outside, as he shot an incredible 49.4% from beyond the arc during the regular season, despite his struggles in this series against the Lakers up to this point.
Kennard concluded with six points and five rebounds in 18 minutes of the Game 5 in Memphis, which wasn’t the difference but still assisted the team in beating the Lakers to avoid going home.
The Grizzlies’ ability to rescue their season will depend, as usual, on the three-headed monster, with the Lakers almost definitely concentrating on stopping Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane on Friday night in Game 6.
The winner of the first-round playoff series between the reigning NBA champion Golden State Warriors and the upstart Sacramento Kings will play the Los Angeles Lakers if they win today.