LA Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Game 2 Prediction, Odds
L.A. took Game 1 on the road thanks to a 69-47 run in the second half and star Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant is now questionable to keep playing. Morant did not suffer a break of fracture in his right hand during Game 1, but his status for Wednesday’s Game 2 is “very much up in the air.”
L.A. had a bit of an injury scare in Sunday’s win too win centre Anthony Davis briefly left because of a right shoulder injury. Davis returned after what was described as a stinger and is all set for Game 2 — a pivotal one for the Grizzlies who can’t go down 2-0 on home court.
Tip-off at FedExForum starts at 7:30 p.m. EDT with the Lakers currently a one-point favourite and the total at 226.5 on the NBA odds.
Lakers vs. Grizzlies NBA Playoff Betting Odds
The over hit for the first time Sunday in the fourth Lakers–Grizzlies clash this season. It’s been a hot trend for L.A. though who’s seen six straight road games finish over the total and nine of their last 10 overall go over. Sunday was also the first time in L.A.’s last 11 visits to Memphis that they finished over the total.
Memphis has now covered in one of their last six games. The Grizzlies were a league-best 35-7 outright on home court this season which makes Game 1’s loss even more significant. Memphis has not lost back-to-back home games all season.
Los Angeles Lakers
What’s most impressive about L.A.’s Game 1 victory is it wasn’t all on the shoulders of Anthony Davis and LeBron James. Instead Roy Hachimura led the Lakers with 29 points off the bench on 11 of 14 shooting from the field. Austin Reaves put up 23 points and went on run late where he scored nine straight for L.A. Both Davis and James contributed with double-doubles, James scoring 21 to go with 11 rebounds and Davis 22 points, 12 rebounds, and seven blocks.
L.A.’s depth has vastly improved since the trade deadline and it’s the reason why many view this Lakers team as a legitimate threat. Davis and James can still take over games if need be, but their supporting cast is now a group of five-plus options who L.A. can count in.
Memphis Grizzlies
Morant left Game 1 in the fourth quarter as L.A.’s onslaught continued. Long story short, if that was any glimpse into a Morant-less Grizzlies squad, they’re in trouble. Memphis is already without centre Steven Adams for the series and it showed Sunday when they got outrebounded 45-34. L.A. also blocked 11 Memphis shots whereas the Grizzlies turned away two.
If Morant is unavailable, the likes of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane become Memphis’ top scoring options. Bane averaged 21.5 points per game this season and had 22 in Game 1, while Jackson Jr. led all players Sunday with 31 points on 13 of 21 shooting from the field.
LAL
MEM