Tonight's thrilling NBA Cup matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies is all about Luka Doncic's potential return to the starting lineup. Doncic's availability might mean the difference between a victory and another test of JJ Redick's team's depth as the Lakers look to gain momentum early in the season.
Fortunately, Doncic will return to play against the Heats. When the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Miami Heat on Sunday, they will be looking to find a solution at home with Luka Doncic back in the fold.
Luka Doncic’s comeback sparks intrigue as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a high-stakes showdown against the Memphis Grizzlies
The Lakers and Grizzlies are both off to strong beginnings, and their matchup in Memphis is expected to feature intense basketball. Having their star back might make all the difference for Los Angeles, especially after a run of tough shows without him.
LeBron James (sciatica) has not yet played for the Lakers this season, and they are only 1-2 at home (4-2 overall). They defeated Memphis 117-112 on Friday after Doncic scored 44 points after recovering from a calf contusion and finger injury.
For tonight's game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 31, Luka Doncic, who has missed the previous three games, was officially labelled as questionable. But he's back now. Doncic demonstrated his signature resilience by finishing that game despite being obviously in pain, even though he needed on-court care for his left hand.
Talking about his return, he said:
"I feel great, but obviously, if we get a win, I feel even better.. Sometimes it's going to be scoring, sometimes other things."
The Lakers have been cautious with their new franchise cornerstone ever since. Luka Doncic's status was upgraded by the team to doubtful, meaning he is improving but is still a game-time decision. Although Doncic is "very close to returning," head coach JJ Redick recently stated that the staff will put long-term health ahead of hurrying him back too soon.
Doncic joined the club in Memphis, where he helped complete a 2-0 trip that also featured a stop in Minnesota, where Reaves made the game-winning jumper at the buzzer to upset the Timberwolves. Doncic was expected to remain sidelined until Sunday.
The native of the Los Angeles area will play games against the Lakers on Sunday and the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.
Injury woes deepen as Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat gear up for a faceoff
The Heat are familiar with the injury bug; thus far this season, they have played without youngster Kasparas Jakucionis (groin) and Tyler Herro (ankle). They were no match for the San Antonio Spurs in a 107-101 away loss on Thursday due to Norman Powell's unavailability due to a groin injury.
LeBron James (sciatica) won't return to the Lakers until at least the middle of the month, but they made it through Doncic's three-game absence thanks to Austin Reaves' unanticipated talent.
On paper, the idea of playing Los Angeles without its future Hall of Famers seemed like the best chance to win this trip, especially because the Spurs were undefeated and Denver's altitude added another challenge against the Nikola Jokic-led Nuggets.
Centre Deandre Ayton finished the first half of Friday's game with nine points but no rebounds. He did not participate in the second half. So, now, in spite of the injury setback, the Lakers are ready to face the Heats.
Also read: Why is Luka Doncic out? Star Los Angeles Lakers guard hit by fresh injury setback before Sacramento Kings showdown
Fortunately, Doncic will return to play against the Heats. When the Los Angeles Lakers visit the Miami Heat on Sunday, they will be looking to find a solution at home with Luka Doncic back in the fold.
Luka Doncic’s comeback sparks intrigue as the Los Angeles Lakers prepare for a high-stakes showdown against the Memphis Grizzlies
The Lakers and Grizzlies are both off to strong beginnings, and their matchup in Memphis is expected to feature intense basketball. Having their star back might make all the difference for Los Angeles, especially after a run of tough shows without him.
LeBron James (sciatica) has not yet played for the Lakers this season, and they are only 1-2 at home (4-2 overall). They defeated Memphis 117-112 on Friday after Doncic scored 44 points after recovering from a calf contusion and finger injury.
For tonight's game against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 31, Luka Doncic, who has missed the previous three games, was officially labelled as questionable. But he's back now. Doncic demonstrated his signature resilience by finishing that game despite being obviously in pain, even though he needed on-court care for his left hand.
Deandre Ayton is officially probable for the Heat game Sunday, per the Lakers. He told reporters last night in Memphis that he expected to play. pic.twitter.com/bDE4lcxqJ1
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) November 1, 2025
Talking about his return, he said:
"I feel great, but obviously, if we get a win, I feel even better.. Sometimes it's going to be scoring, sometimes other things."
The Lakers have been cautious with their new franchise cornerstone ever since. Luka Doncic's status was upgraded by the team to doubtful, meaning he is improving but is still a game-time decision. Although Doncic is "very close to returning," head coach JJ Redick recently stated that the staff will put long-term health ahead of hurrying him back too soon.
Doncic joined the club in Memphis, where he helped complete a 2-0 trip that also featured a stop in Minnesota, where Reaves made the game-winning jumper at the buzzer to upset the Timberwolves. Doncic was expected to remain sidelined until Sunday.
The native of the Los Angeles area will play games against the Lakers on Sunday and the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday.
Injury woes deepen as Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat gear up for a faceoff
The Heat are familiar with the injury bug; thus far this season, they have played without youngster Kasparas Jakucionis (groin) and Tyler Herro (ankle). They were no match for the San Antonio Spurs in a 107-101 away loss on Thursday due to Norman Powell's unavailability due to a groin injury.
LeBron James (sciatica) won't return to the Lakers until at least the middle of the month, but they made it through Doncic's three-game absence thanks to Austin Reaves' unanticipated talent.
On paper, the idea of playing Los Angeles without its future Hall of Famers seemed like the best chance to win this trip, especially because the Spurs were undefeated and Denver's altitude added another challenge against the Nikola Jokic-led Nuggets.
Centre Deandre Ayton finished the first half of Friday's game with nine points but no rebounds. He did not participate in the second half. So, now, in spite of the injury setback, the Lakers are ready to face the Heats.
Also read: Why is Luka Doncic out? Star Los Angeles Lakers guard hit by fresh injury setback before Sacramento Kings showdown
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