Grizz v. Lakers Preview: NBA Cup is Back

Colin Rafferty –

The Grizzlies first of four scheduled Emirates NBA Cup games will be tonight as the Los Angeles Lakers are in town.

It is a late tip 8:30 pm CST, the ghosts and ghouls should help keep the Lakers at bay as they deal with injuries to Luka Doncic and LeBron James.

Here’s a preview of the Grizzlies NBA Cup court. I like it, almost a blacktop feel with a classic blue for the out of bounds. I don’t really know what it all means but it’s cool.

For those who don’t know what the NBA Cup is or aren’t clear. Here are some points to know:

It is the former ‘NBA In-Season Tournament’, which is an idea taken straight from soccer leagues around the world.

Every Friday night from Oct. 31st to December 16th, teams will play one of four opponents; two at home, two away.

Eight teams will advance to Las Vegas where there will be Semifinals and Championship games. Once you are knocked out, you will play regular season games in placement of the remaining Cup games.

In addition to the trophy (NBA Cup) a prize pool is up for grabs for the teams in the semis and championship game, the further you get the more you win.

Now to the game at hand, the Lakers, booooo. I’d put them in the same category as the Warriors. Don’t like them or their fans or their players anymore. Just a thorn in my side.

The Lakers are 3-2 on the season without LeBron James, who has yet to play due to a sciatica issue. Recently, Luka Doncic went down with a finger sprain and a leg contusion on October 25th.

They are being led by Austin Reaves who had a 51 point night in a win Sacramento Sunday, followed by a 41 point performance the following night in a loss to Portland.

He also was integral in a win against the Timberwolves Wednesday, with a game winner on a 28 point and 16 assist night. He is on a heater and the Grizz better come prepared.

Former Grizzlies player Jake LaRavia helped Wednesday putting up 27 pts, 8 reb, and 2 assists. He will be called on to help the cause as Doncic and LeBron are out, I’d expect him to try and show out.

Memphis has had a history with this team since LeBron has gone over to the West Coast. Either a battle or some chippy blow outs; where the winner is sure to make the other know.

After a gritty hard fought win in Phoenix, the Grizzlies fans and team hope to get it all on the same page so it is not a complete fight every single night.

But we still have Ja Morant and that’s the biggest piece.

There has been streches just not yet a consistent good feel to the games yet, aside from the Pacers game. Time will tell.

It is Halloween and the Grizzlies will be hosting a pregame ‘trick-or-treat’ event in the concourse area. So bring your costumes, be ready for more candy, and get there early to cheer on your hometown team.