Ja Morant’s struggles and brief leave from the Memphis Grizzlies was an NBA betting tell. Since Morant returned, there have been questions about his and his team’s effectiveness in the 2023 NBA Playoffs. If game one of their Western Conference playoff series is any indication, the Grizzlies are in trouble. Second seed belongs to the Grizzlies. Yet it likely doesn’t matter. The Los Angeles Lakers are not the typical NBA play-in team. And they demonstrated that with an impressive game one performance. Memphis has blown the home-court advantage it worked all season to earn.
2023 NBA Playoffs First Round Series Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 7:30 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | FedExForum, Memphis, TN. |
| TV Coverage: | TNT |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | -1 (-105) | 226½ (-110) | -110 |  |
| Grizzlies | +1 (-115) | 226½ (-110) | -110 | |
| ||||
Grizzlies vs. Lakers SBG Odds Overview
As a result of game one, online betting perceptions have flipped. Los Angeles is now a popular choice in the casual sector.
Grizzlies vs. Lakers Series Schedule
All times listed are Eastern. (* – if necessary)
- Game 1: Lakers 128, Grizzlies 112
- Game 2: Lakers at Grizzlies, Wednesday, April 19 (7:30 p.m., TNT)
- Game 3: Grizzlies at Lakers, Saturday, April 22 (10 p.m., ESPN)
- Game 4: Grizzlies at Lakers, Monday, April 24 (TBD)
- Game 5: Lakers at Grizzlies, Wednesday, April 26 (TBD)*
- Game 6: Grizzlies at Lakers, Friday, April 28 (TBD)*
- Game 7: Lakers at Grizzlies, Sunday, April 30 (TBD)*
Memphis Grizzlies Team Overview
The Memphis Grizzlies are 51-31 straight up, 37-43-2 against the spread, and 38-43-1 over/under the total. Late on, Memphis has covered one out of their last five games. While the Grizzlies have gone over the total in three of its previous five matchups.
Memphis has NBA metrics of 9th for scoring offense, 16th for field goal percentage, 23rd for 3-point field goal percentage, 30th for free throw percentage, and 2nd for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Grizzlies have NBA metrics of 11th for scoring defense, 1st for field goal percentage permitted, 9th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 21st for defensive rebounding.
Los Angeles Lakers Team Overview
The Los Angeles Lakers are 43-39 straight up, 40-41-1 against the spread, and 43-38-1 over/under the total. Late on, Los Angeles has covered one out of their last four games. At the same time, the Lakers have gone over the total in nine of its previous ten matchups.
Los Angeles has NBA metrics of 6th for scoring offense, 10th for field goal percentage, 25th for 3-point field goal percentage, 20th for free throw percentage, and 6th for offensive rebounding. In comparison on defense, the Lakers have NBA metrics of 20th for scoring defense, 10th for field goal percentage permitted, 2nd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 25th for defensive rebounding.
Lakers Steal Home Court Advantage
It is true that Memphis had the NBA’s best home record at 35-6. However, they no longer have a home-court advantage against LA. Of major concern is the status of Memphis marquee man Ja Morant, who aggravated a right hand injury.
Namely, Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 31 points, while Desmond Bane scored 22. Morant had 18 points before leaving in the fourth quarter with a hand injury. The Grizzlies leading scorer’s availability for Game 2 is uncertain. Meanwhile, Rui Hachimura scored a playoff career-best 29 points. In comparison, LeBron James added 21 points and 11 rebounds.
Grizzlies vs. Lakers SBG Free Pick
As was previously noted, there is a sense of NBA betting uncertainty with the Grizzlies.
Grizzlies vs. Lakers SBG Best Bet: Los Angeles Lakers.