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As expected the word on Memo was not so good. Okur will be a game-time decision for Game 1 on Sunday (1:00 p.m.).
From the sounds coming out of the players and coaches it appears Okur's still sore hamstring has already made that decision and in this season of ridiculous injuries (147 man-games missed) this one's really devastating.
Not only is Memo's deep firepower obvious (stretching the Lakers D, making their 'Bigs' Gasol and Bynum actually leave the basket to contest when he's shooting) but as Lakers head coach Phil Jackson told me Saturday, he leaves the Jazz 'decidedly smaller', giving deep bench players Jarron Collins, Kyrylo Fesenko and maybe even rookie Kosta Koufos too many minutes for a road playoff game against the especially long Lakers. Jazz won four of the 10 games Memo missed this season but because of the occasion this injury really hurts.
Both teams talking the usual stuff about "physical" and how they'll need to be prepared to push back. Favorite response from the Lakers today? Lamar Odom (NYC) told me "I grew up playing in the park, there were no refs around to call fouls... before the season everybody said that's the way to beat us... push 'em around. I think we had a pretty good season". Of course, it's not so much the act of banging that's crucial for the Jazz it's the mindset to play with the purpose of being in the game and not letting the Lakers "do what they want". Defense is all about bodying up and imposing your will. The Jazz are talking extensively about playing defense this series.
Think the early 12 noon (PT) tip might catch the Lakers napping? Kobe says "Not me, I'm up at 7 every morning working out. Just another day for me" Jazz will be ready too, since it's the PLAYOFFS.
SportsBeat Sunday will have all the highlights and Jazz/Lakers interviews you'll need from the Staples Center as we give you live post game reports from Los Angeles.
