LOS ANGELES — If the Memphis Grizzlies’ season is to continue, they’ll have to do some things they haven’t done all season.
The Grizzlies are 0-16 this season on the road as underdogs. The Los Angeles Lakers are -4.5-point favorites for the Game 6 battle inside Crypto.com Arena (9:30 pm, ESPN, Bally Sports Southeast).
The Lakers lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 and have won all four of their home games against the Grizzlies this season. Memphis is confident in its chances of forcing a Game 7 after winning 116-99 on Wednesday night, despite the pending availability of Luke Kennard, who was a major reason why Memphis was dominant in Game 5.
Kennard is listed as questionable due to shoulder soreness. Jenkins stated on Thursday that a decision on Kennard’s status will likely come close to game time.
Xavier Tillman Sr. told the FedExForum crowd after Wednesday’s win that the Grizzlies will be back home for a Game 7, then Bane doubled down on his guarantee that Memphis will go into Crypto.com Arena and get a Game 6 win.
Pulling the upset in Los Angeles won’t be easy for a variety of reasons. Even though Lakers star Anthony Davis has had two games where he’s looked like a shell of himself, he’s been flat-out dominant in the other three. LeBron James had one of his worst performances of his 20-year career in a closeout situation on Wednesday, and he’s already vowing to be better in Game 6.
Follow along for live updates.
LINEUP SCENARIOS: Memphis Grizzlies better without Dillon Brooks in Game 5. Should he start vs Lakers in Game 6?
ROUNDTABLE QUESTIONS: Grizzlies haven’t won as road underdog all season. Why Game 6 vs. Lakers will change that
KENNARD UPDATE: Luke Kennard’s status for Game 6 and how the Grizzlies plan to use Dillon Brooks vs the Lakers
Memphis Grizzlies score vs Los Angeles Lakers: Live updates from Game 6
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis Grizzlies score vs Los Angeles Lakers: Game 6 playoff updates