Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 3 Prediction, NBA Odds
It’s now a best-of-five series between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers as they shift to L.A. for Game 3 Saturday evening. The Grizzlies got even with a 103-93 victory on Wednesday, winning without star point guard Ja Morant, who’s out with right hand soreness. Morant did not suffer any break or fracture in the hand but it’s unclear when he’ll return to Memphis’ lineup.
The intensity level in this series keeps climbing as well. Memphis forward Dillon Brooks and LeBron James had a confrontation in the second half of Game 2, and Brooks was quoted post-game describing James as old. Brooks added he doesn’t respect no one until they score 40 on him. So at the least you can expect a motivated James on offence here.
Tip-off at Crypto.com Arena starts at 10 p.m. EDT with L.A. a 4.5-point favourite and the total at 220.5 on the NBA odds.
Grizzlies vs. Lakers NBA Betting Odds
Game 2 went way under as L.A. failed to reach 100 points for the first time since December 28. Memphis was the seventh-best team this season in defending opponents field goal attempts and it showed with L.A. making 35 field goals in the loss. The under has now hit in 16 of these teams’ last 10 meetings.
Memphis comes into L.A. Saturday having one win in their last seven road games against the Lakers. Memphis is also 5-15 in their last 20 road games overall. L.A. ended the regular season with wins in six of their last seven home games. The Lakers were 2-0 on home court against Memphis this season, winning 122-121 on January 20 and 112-103 on March 7.
Memphis Grizzlies
All five Grizzlies starters reached double-figures in their Game 2 victory, with Xavier Tillman leading the way with a career-high 22 points to go with a season-high 13 rebounds. A balanced attack is key with Morant out, and was also possible after Morant’s replacement, Tyus Jones, dished out eight assists to go with 10 points in an elevated role.
Recently crowned 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackon Jr.had a night too with nine rebounds, three blocks, and a steal while also contributing 18 points. Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane are the Grizzlies’ next-best scoring options after Morant, but it’s defence that got the job done in Game 2.
Los Angeles Lakers
In Game 2 it was LeBron and again Roy Hachimura who showed up and that was about it for the Lakers. Several starters struggled to generate any scoring, namely Anthony Davis who went four for 14 from the field for 13 minutes in 38 minutes of play. Austin Reaves reached 12 points after serving as the Game 1 hero. D’Angelo Russell continued his cold spell by shooting two for 11.
Game 1 showed the Lakers have a cast around James and Davis that can deliver in key moments but it will still take a group effort. And James has since been called out about not only his age but his game-breaking scoring ability, so if there’s any individual who will come out stronger in Game 3…. LeBron is the guy to bank on.
MEM
LAL