After a tough road loss against the Brooklyn Nets, the Memphis Grizzlies return home with one goal in mind: make a statement against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers, led by superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, began their first season under new head coach JJ Redick with a 4-3 record, but lost their final game to the rebuilding Detroit Pistons.

In a vital Wednesday night game to get Memphis back above .500, the Lakers could be shorthanded.

Los Angeles forward Rui Hachimura has been downgraded to doubtful ahead of the Lakers’ game in Memphis, which could give the Grizzlies a saving grace as they deal with their own barrage of injuries.

Hachimura, 26, has been one of the NBA’s most consistent players since the Washington Wizards selected him ninth overall in 2019. In seven games this season, Rui is averaging 13.6 points and 6.4 rebounds per game , shooting an absurd 57.1 percent from three. -point range.

Hachimura has started all seven of Los Angeles’ games this season, so being sidelined Wednesday night is a blow to the Lakers. With Jarred Vanderbilt out of the Lakers long-term, Los Angeles’ frontcourt depth could be in trouble against the Grizzlies.

For a Memphis team looking to get back into the win column, they need to take advantage of the Lakers’ injuries and make a statement at home.

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