After a disappointing loss in their first playoff game, the Grizzlies look to come back stronger as they host the Lakers for Game 2 of the Western Conference first round. The game is expected to tip-off at 07:30 PM ET, Wednesday, April 19th, 2023.
Despite the possibility of Ja Morant being ruled out with a hand injury, the Grizzlies are only a 0.5 point underdog, with no doubts they’ll be able to stay competitive without their star point guard.
CAN LA TAKE 2-0 SERIES LEAD?
The Lakers will be determined to take a 2-0 series lead, with star forward LeBron James having never lost a series after taking the first two games. The Lakers will also be looking to carry their lead into their two-game home stretch, where they have the potential to closeout the series in a four-game sweep.
If the Lakers manage to sweep the Grizzlies, they’ll have roughly a week to rest before taking on the winner of the Warriors and Kings series in the second round.
MATCH PREVIEW
The Lakers won the last game on April 16 with a score of 128-112, thanks to Rui Hachimura’s 29-point performance. Meanwhile, forward Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 31 points for the Grizzlies.
Memphis has a record of 30-22 against Western Conference teams and is currently ranked second in the league for fast break points per game, averaging 18.0, with Desmond Bane leading the team with an average of 7.0.
On the other hand, the Lakers have a record of 27-25 against Western Conference opponents and are currently ranked ninth for points allowed in the Western Conference, allowing just 116.6 points per game while holding their opponents to a 46.9 percent shooting percentage.
The top performers for the Grizzlies are Jackson Jr. who averages 31 points, four assists, and two blocks, and Desmond Bane who has been averaging 19.1 points in the last 10 games. For the Lakers, D’Angelo Russell has been shooting 47 percent and averaging 17.8 points, while James has been making an average of 2.4 three-pointers in the last 10 games.
In the last 10 games, the Grizzlies have a record of 5-5, averaging 118.2 points, 45.0 rebounds, 28.5 assists, 7.7 steals, and 5.0 blocks per game, while shooting 48.9 percent from the field. Their opponents have averaged 119.4 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have been on a roll in their last 10 games, winning eight of them, and averaging 123.2 points, 47.6 rebounds, 26.2 assists, 6.5 steals, and 5.8 blocks per game, while shooting 50.6 percent from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.3 points.
ODDS AND PREDICTIONS
While Memphis may have suffered a setback with Morant’s injury and a loss in Game 1 of the series against the LA, this is by no means an indication that the series is over. Despite these challenges, the Grizzlies remain a formidable opponent and are more than capable of turning things around in their favor. They have the talent and capabilities to even win the series convincingly.
Therefore, taking the Grizzlies to get the win is recommended for this game. But remember, it’s important to keep in mind that sports betting always involves a degree of risk, and there’s no guarantee that the Grizzlies will be able to cover the absence of Morant in a crucial playoffs game. As always, it’s essential to do your research and make an informed decision based on the available data.
Spread: Lakers -0.5
Moneyline: Grizzlies -120, Lakers -110
Pick: Grizzlies +0.5
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