Just 24 minutes of action in, it’s already apparent that Memphis will have a battle on its hands in its opening-round series versus Los Angeles.

There was a growl towel on every seat in FedExForum Saturday. Which means it is that time in Memphis, once again. “It never gets old, man,” said Jaren Jackson Jr. “It’s still hype every single time.”

Here’s what to look for on and off the court as the Grizzlies take on the Lakers in the first game of their playoff series Sunday, April 16. 

When asked what his team is supposed to make of the excitement surrounding the Grizzlies vs. Lakers series, Memphis Coach Taylor Jenkins wants his team to tune out the noise.

“It’s a shoe for underdogs who have the dog in them, kicks for anyone who has been underrated or overlooked, who’s been told they’re too small or their dreams too big,” Ja Morant said.

Related story:

Grizzlies Insider: Memphis shows Lakers respect, but series is destined to heat up

Drew Hill and Chris Herrington give their thoughts on the upcoming series between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers. 

“Obviously, they are a good team. They have LeBron (James) and (Anthony Davis). It’s a team we can’t take lightly, so we have to come in and stay locked in to the game plan,” says Ja Morant. 

Ja Morant filed a countersuit against Joshua Holloway. Which is certainly his legal right. But if he wants his reputation, he doesn’t need more lawyers. He just needs to beat LeBron James.

Related story: 

Herrington: The Lakers bring bigger stars to this series, the Grizzlies meet them with more

What will come? The tantalizing truth of a playoff series is that no one can know. But here are a few ways of thinking about it.

In new court filings, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant said he is the victim of slander, battery and assault after an alleged fight at his home with a teenager during a pickup basketball game. Morant said the teenager, who previously sued him, could have ended his career by throwing a basketball at his face.

Dillon Brooks said he “wouldn’t mind” playing LeBron James in a seven-game series. Well, duh. The Grizzlies have a chance to bounce James from the playoffs and redefine themselves in the process. Who wouldn’t mind doing that?

Related story:

NBA releases Grizzlies vs. Lakers series schedule

Game 2 in Memphis will be played on Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m.

Related story: 

Memphis Grizzlies to meet LeBron, L.A. Lakers in first round of playoffs

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are coming to Memphis. They’ll play the Grizzlies in Game 1 at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 16, at FedExForum. Game 2 will be Wednesday, April 19 at 6:30 p.m. at FedExForum. Game 3 will be in L.A. at 9 p.m., Saturday, April 22.

Related story:

Grizzlies give injury updates, discuss potential playoff opponents

The Grizzlies provided status updates on Steven Adams (PCL sprain), Ja Morant (finger), Santi Aldama (elbow) and Desmond Bane (illness) on Tuesday after practice. 

As the Memphis Grizzlies prep for the playoffs, here is part two of a look back to the best moments from the 2022-23 season. 

Related story:

The best moments of the 2022-23 Grizzlies' season: Nos. 50-26

Grizzlies Insider: Memphis fans vote Timberwolves, not Lakers, as preferred playoff opponent

Memphis Grizzlies fans voted the Minnesota Timberwolves, not the Los Angeles Lakers, as the preferred playoff opponent in the first round. 

The Lakers host the Timberwolves Tuesday for the right to meet the Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs. I think I speak for Grizzlies fans everywhere when I say: “Go T-Wolves!”

Here is the box score for the Memphis Grizzlies’s game against OKC Thunder at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

The Memphis Grizzlies have listed their starters as doubtful ahead of the regular-season finale in Oklahoma City. 

Related story: 

Grizzlies make roster moves with Steven Adams likely out for playoffs

The Grizzlies center is likely to miss the rest of the season. Memphis also made changes to add another frontcourt player to its playoff roster. 

Grizz fans were concerned Friday night when the superstar point guard went to the locker room early in the first quarter with an apparent hand injury. 

Memphis Grizzlies vs Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee

The Memphis Grizzlies clinched the No. 2 seed in the West by dominating a short-handed Milwaukee Bucks team in the second half. 

Related stories:

Taylor Jenkins: ‘We shouldn’t have any concerns’ about Morant injury

Thanks to Grizzlies’ popularity, playoff tickets aren’t cheap

Box score: Grizzlies 137, Bucks 114