(This story was updated with new information)
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic wasn’t expected to have a chance to play against the Memphis Grizzlies. That feeling has changed.
Doncic was upgraded to questionable on Oct. 30 while dealing with a left finger sprain and lower leg contusion. He is now available to play for the Lakers against the Grizzlies at FedExForum on Oct. 31 (8:30 p.m. CT, Prime Video).
The Lakers originally announced on Oct. 26 that Doncic would be reevaluated in approximately one week following his injuries.
Doncic was at Lakers shootaround on Oct. 31 ahead of the matchup against Memphis. He was then upgraded to probable.
The Lakers also have former Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart, who missed the previous two games while dealing with a right quad contusion.
Doncic was off to a red-hot start before being sidelined. In two games, he was averaging 46 points, 11.5 rebounds and 8.5 assists.
Lakers guard Austin Reaves has picked up where Doncic left off. He has scored 51, 41 and 28 points in the three games without Doncic in lineup.
The Grizzlies have played against Donic as a member of the Lakers only once since he was traded by the Dallas Mavericks in February. Doncic has a 12-4 career record against the Grizzlies.
The Oct. 31 meeting will come with extra incentive. This will be the first NBA Cup game for the Lakers and Grizzlies.
Damichael Cole is the Memphis Grizzlies beat writer for The Commercial Appeal. Contact Damichael at damichael.cole@commercialappeal.com. Follow Damichael on X, formerly known as Twitter, @DamichaelC.
