Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers betting tips and predictions for Wednesday’s NBA Playoffs game on TNT. After an upset in Game 1, the Lakers are looking to take full control of their series against the Grizzlies as the two teams clash in Game 2 at FedEx Forum. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis was able to hold the game in check up until late in the 4th quarter, despite losing Ja Morant to a hand injury. Then the Lakers made a 15-0 run for a final score of 128-112 and now the pressure is on the home team to respond. Will they have Morant available? Head coach Taylor Jenkins says he is a game time decision, the good news is X-rays were negative on his wrist so there should be no long term damage.
Jaren Jackson Jr. was really solid in the series opener with 31 points, the NBA just announced him as the winner of the defensive player of the year award, that should be added motivation to do well in Game 2 against Anthony Davis down low. The Grizzlies ended the regular season with a 35-6 SU home record, this is a do or die scenario for them as they cannot afford to go down 2-0 before the series shifts to Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lakers
Neither LeBron James or Anthony Davis led the Lakers in scoring on Sunday, it was Rui Hachimura off the bench with 29 points on 11-for-14 shooting. The former Wizard played the game of his life and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. He nailed 5 of 6 threes as well, while 3 other starters knocked down 3 threes each for the Lakers who shot over 53% as a team in the win.
They seem to like playing against Memphis for some reason, Sunday’s win was their 10th in the last 15 meetings and they’re also 4-2 ATS in the 6 most recent games against them. LA has now won 8 of 9 games overall, and 9 of 10 vs Western Conference teams. They’re looking pretty solid here despite only being the 7th seed.
With their backs against the wall, the Grizzlies have very little options here. They’ll have to slow down the pace of the game and not allow the likes of Hachimura, Reaves and others to get going if they want to even things out here. I think Morant guts it out and plays, Memphis wins a tight one at home.
Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers Predictions & Odds
Memphis had high hopes heading into Game 1, mainly due to the fact that they spent most of the regular season in the top 3 in defensive efficiency. None of that was on display on Sunday as the Lakers blew them out the water by scoring 128 points. The main objective for Game 2 will be to slow things down and keep the Lakers in check. That type of game would favor Memphis as they allow just 108.3 points per 100 possessions.
Plus, everything went well for the Lakers offensively in the series opener, I would be shocked if they could pull off two perfect games back-to-back on the road here. In the last 10 meetings between these two teams the under has cashed 6 times, if we look at only games played at FedEx forum then the under has landed 10 times in the last 11 head-to-head. With those numbers in mind I’m taking the under here.
