The Memphis Grizzlies are hosting the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night’s Halloween clash. This marks their first NBA Cup 2025 matchup. Both teams are riding the same kind of late-game momentum. Memphis edged out the Phoenix Suns narrowly, securing a 114-113 win on Wednesday. At the center of the win? Ja Morant’s clutch floater in the lane during the final seconds. The win improved the Grizzlies’ record to 3-2. The Lakers pulled off a similar thriller in Minnesota, in a 116-115 victory. As both squads enter Cup play, the Grizzlies would wish to continue the winning streak. Will Ja Morant lead the way tonight?

Is Ja Morant playing tonight?

Yes, Ja Morant is set to play tonight against the Los Angeles Lakers. Morant, who has looked increasingly confident since his ankle sprain earlier this month. He continues to anchor the Grizzlies’ offense with his trademark explosiveness. It is all in the late-game poise that he grabs a win out of the rivals’ court. Through five games this season, Morant is averaging 23.4 points, 6.6 assists, and 3.8 rebounds per game. He scored 28 with the game-winner in Wednesday’s 114–113 win over Phoenix.

Starting center Zach Edey remains sidelined to recover from offseason ankle surgery. He is not coming back until late November or early December. Reserve guard Scotty Pippen Jr. will undergo a procedure related to his toe and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks. Ty Jerome is out for at least 4 weeks due to his calf. Another update from ESPN has put GG Jackson on a day-to-day. It is truly on the shoulders of Morant.

Morant once again delivered under pressure, on Wednesday’s dramatic 114-113 win over the Phoenix Suns. The supporting cast stepped up, too. Rookie Cedric Coward continued his form with 14 points and four rebounds. Santi Aldama was not left far behind. He added a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. But sudden roster changes in the Lakers might create problems.

Luka Doncic, who was out for the past three games with a left-finger sprain and a lower-left-leg contusion, is now upgraded to “probable” for Friday’s clash. Even without Luka (and with LeBron James still sidelined for sciatica), the Lakers have had surprisingly big wins.

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Players like Austin Reaves and former Grizzlies reserve Jake LaRavia have stepped up in a way that could force Memphis to retire early from the game.

Predicted Starting Fives

Here’s a look at the probable lineups for the matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers. Ja Morant, leading the charge, had hopes to overpower the Lakers, but it depends on how Luka will return.

Where to Watch the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game

The Grizzlies will host the Los Angeles Lakers in a pivotal NBA Cup group-stage matchup. Both teams want to dominate with momentum. Ja Morant’s late-game heroics in Phoenix may help the Memphis rule, but Los Angeles has been equally unpredictable. They are gaining confidence from back-to-back wins even without their stars. Here is how you can catch up on the game.

Date: Friday, October 31, 2025

Time: 9:30 p.m. ET (8:30 p.m. CT)

Location: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee

Where to Watch: National broadcast on Prime Video as part of the 2025 NBA Cup group-play schedule.

Expect a fiery clash up, as both teams are eyeing an early advantage in the group stage. This matchup could set the tone for how the Grizzlies handle competition throughout the tournament. Look out for Morant and whether he continues his blistering form at home.