Grizzlies go for sixth straight win

This will be the third meeting between the two squads this season. Memphis defeated the Lakers, 105-95, on November 10, 2003 at The Pyramid, while LA crushed the Grizzlies, 121-89, on November 23, 2003 at the Staples Center.

Memphis won six in a row earlier this season from November 29 to December 10, 2003.

On Monday, James Posey scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter to lead Memphis to an 88-83 win over the Houston Rockets at The Pyramid. Pau Gasol posted 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who have won seven of their last eight contests.

Mike Miller had a solid game for Memphis on Monday, finishing with 20 points and five assists.

Memphis continued to add to its team record of most wins prior to the All-Star break (22). The previous high was 14 in 1999-00.

The Grizzlies, who have won four in a row at home, are 13-5 as the host this season.

The injury-riddled Lakers, who have won seven of eight and 18 of the last 20 meetings with the Grizzlies, begin a three-game road trip tonight. LA was on the wrong end of an 88-85 decision against the Phoenix Suns on Monday.

Kareem Rush scored 18 points and Bryon Russell added a season-high 17 points in the loss for the Lakers, who lost for the second time in six games without starters Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Karl Malone. Gary Payton delivered 14 points and nine rebounds.

O’Neal, Bryant and Malone are expected to be with the Lakers during all or part of the three-game road trip that begins Wednesday night in Memphis. But none are expected to play on the trip, which concludes Saturday night in Utah. The Lakers visit the Dallas Mavericks for the middle contest of the road swing.

LA forward Horace Grant is questionable for tonight’s game, as he has been in Georgia with his ailing father.

The Lakers, who have lost seven straight as the visitor, are 6-10 on the road this season.