Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Game 1 Prediction, NBA Odds
The 43-39 Lakers took care of business Tuesday night by winning a play-in game 108-102 to punch their ticket. At 51-31 the Grizzlies were a top-two team for the majority of the regular season but enter the playoffs going 3-4 in their last seven outings.
Drama found its way around the Grizzlies throughout this season, whether it was star point guard Ja Morant’s off-court activities or a beef with Fox Sports’ Shannon Sharpe amidst a game against the Lakers. L.A. meanwhile has overcome some serious adversity and finished the season with wins in eight of their last 10 games.
Tip-off for Game 1 at the FedEx Forum starts at 3 p.m. EDT on Sunday with Memphis a 3.5-point favourite at home and the total at 228.5 on the NBA odds.
Lakers vs. Grizzlies NBA Playoffs Betting Odds
Although it’s a two seed versus a seven seed, oddsmakers have this matchup listed pretty even with Memphis standing as a -147 favourite to advance. Grizzlies in seven is the most probable outcome listed at +298. L.A. took two of three from Memphis this season. Neither Anthony Davis or LeBron James both played in any of the three contests, but both are now healthy.
The under hit in all three Lakers–Grizzlies battles this season and it’s the under that’s also on a 10-game streak in Lakers–Grizzlies games played in Memphis. The Grizzlies have also won 14 of their last 15 home outings. The Lakers finished one game under .500 on the road this year.
Los Angeles Lakers
L.A. had to comeback from a double-digit deficit at the half Tuesday, led by James and Co. LeBron’s 30 points and 10 rebounds led all scorers, and he added a dime of an assist on a clutch Dennis Schroder three that ultimately got the Lakers to overtime where they finished the deal.
Head coach Darvin Ham turned to Schroder throughout the win, playing him 33 minutes off the bench as Schroder contributed 21 points. Schroeder got bigger minutes partly due to a one-for-nine shooting night from starting point guard D’Angelo Russell. Regardless, it’s a big positive that the Lakers have scorers they can rely on outside of James and Davis.
Memphis Grizzlies
No team had more home victories than Memphis this season and it’s an advantage they’ll need to capitalize on against the Lakers. With Memphis not entering the post-season firing on all cylinders, and also still without centre Steven Adams (knee) it’s crucial the Grizzlies find a groove fast before the pressure becomes too much.
This plan all starts with Morant, Memphis’ leader in points (26.2), assists (8.1), and steals (1.1) per game. Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr. make up the Grizzlies top three scorers and together they can go shot for shot with the Lakers’ top dogs. It’s a question of whether the loss of Adams in the paint and Memphis’ lack of experience is too much to overcome.
LAL
MEM