Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers: preview and player stats (Dec 27, 2026)

Injury/Illness - Right Hip Soreness (2026-11-14, BKN@MEM). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Jerome (hip) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Nets. Jerome is dealing with right hip soreness and will miss his second game of the season. With the veteran guard joining Scotty Pippen (back) on the inactive list, Cam Spencer figures to see an expanded role. Jerome's next opportunity to play will come Monday at Washington.

Injury/Illness - Left Ankle Injury Management (2026-11-14, BKN@MEM). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Edey (ankle) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against Brooklyn. Edey sat out Memphis' game Friday due to an ankle injury, and he is now at risk of missing both legs of this back-to-back set. With Quinten Post (concussion) already having been ruled out, Isaiah Stewart and Taylor Hendricks remain the likely candidates to pick up extra minutes if Edey doesn't play.

Injury/Illness - Lumbar Disc Herniation (2026-11-14, BKN@MEM). Prior reporting (2026-11-10): Pippen (back) remains out for Wednesday's game against Denver, Michael Wallace of the Grizzlies' official site reports. With Pippen set to miss another game, Memphis will continue to operate without one of its backcourt reserves. He has now been sidelined for six straight contests due to the back issue and can be considered week-to-week until Memphis offers an update on his recovery. Cam Spencer remains worth streaming in most fantasy leagues.

Injury/Illness - Head Injury (2026-11-14, BKN@MEM). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Grant (head) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Nets. Grant could be held out of the second leg of this back-to-back set due to a head injury. If the veteran forward is unable to suit up, Kris Murray and GG Jackson would likely see increased burn.

Injury/Illness - Concussion Protocol (2026-11-14, BKN@MEM). Prior reporting (2026-11-14): Post (concussion) has been ruled out for Saturday's game against the Nets. Saturday will mark Post's third straight missed game as he remains in the league's concussion protocol. His next chance to play will come Monday at Washington.

Injury/Illness - Right Knee Surgery (2026-11-14, BKN@MEM). Prior reporting (2026-11-07): Saunders signed a two-way contract with the Grizzlies on Saturday, Shams Charania of ESPN reports. Saunders is still on the mend from a torn right ACL that he suffered during his final year at BYU. However, he has been cleared for on-court activities and will be allowed to practice with the Grizzlies now that he's officially signed with the team.

Reaves (heel) didn't participate in Saturday's practice, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. Reaves sustained a bruised left heel in Wednesday's win over Milwaukee and is considered day-to-day, though this update is not encouraging ahead of Sunday's game against Phoenix. If the 28-year-old guard is unable to suit up, Ziaire Williams, Quentin Grimes (finger) and Collin Sexton (head) would be candidates for increased playing time.

Grimes (finger) said he expects to return to action Sunday against the Suns, according to Ricardo Sandoval of Lakers on SI. Grimes has missed the Lakers' last two games, but it sounds as if he could return to the rotation Sunday. It's unclear whether he'd be a starter, but he'd have a chance if Austin Reaves (heel) isn't cleared. Grimes is averaging 8.0 points per game this season, but that number rises to 17.5 points per game in his two starts.

Sexton (head) was a full participant in Saturday's practice, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com reports. Sexton left Wednesday's game against Milwaukee early after bumping heads with Ryan Rollins and required stitches to close a cut on his forehead. However, Sexton escaped the incident without a concussion, and his ability to practice without restraint is a positive sign for his availability Sunday against the Suns.