After Game 2 of their first-round series with the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies guard Dillon Brooks, emboldened by the team’s victory without Ja Morant, dismissed LeBron James as “old” – and since then, the Lakers have not lost. LeBron James has responded since, including a 22-point, 20-rebound performance in Game 4 that included the game-tying layup with 0.8 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and four points in overtime, as the Lakers won, 117-111. It was the first 20-20 game in James’ 20-season career, and he also had seven assists and two blocks, against just one turnover, in his 270th postseason game, an NBA record. Now the series returns to Memphis for Game 5, where the Grizzlies are favored. Can they hold off the Lakers? Don’t miss our NBA betting preview.
NBA Playoffs: Western Conference Quarterfinal Preview
L.A. Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies, Game 5
Lakers lead, 3-1
When: Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 7:30 pm ET
Where: FedExForum, Memphis
TV: TNT
Radio: ESPNLA 710 AM Los Angeles / 92.9 FM ESPN Memphis
Live Stream: Sling TV
NBA Odds: Memphis -4.5 / O/U 222.5 // Los Angeles +150 / Memphis -185
Why should you bet on the Los Angeles Lakers?
The Lakers are just 21-22 away from home on the season, but they were able to start this series with a win in Memphis. They are also playing with a healthy and engaged Anthony Davis and LeBron James; for much of the regular season, at least one of the two stars was unable to play because of injury or (mostly in the case of AD) seemingly disinterested in the action.
In addition to LeBron and AD, it’s been the Lakers’ supporting players who have made much of the difference in this series. Rui Hachimura’s hot shooting has cooled off a bit, but he has still made a big difference in terms of floor spacing, as his three-point makes, particularly in Games 1-3, made it tougher for the Grizzlies to focus on AD and LeBron. Austin Reaves has also emerged as a reliable playoff scoring option. The defense has also kept Memphis from doing much damage from the perimeter and has the second-best three-point shooting percentage permitted in these playoffs.
Bet on the Lakers!
Why should you put your money on the Grizzlies?
The Grizzlies posted a 36-7 record at FedExForum this season, so their 1-1 home record against the Lakers is a bit of a disappointment. Ja Morant has returned to the lineup, although it remains a question if the team can beat the Lakers with him. Morant contributes considerably on offense, but he’s not all that interested in playing defense. Not having Brandon Clarke (Achilles) and Steven Adams (knee) in the starting lineup means that the Grizzlies are at a disadvantage in the paint. Xavier Tillman was able to reverse this problem in Game 2, but the Lakers have been able to figure out how to solve that problem since then.
Memphis’ biggest problem on defense has been on the glass, as they have allowed too many offensive rebounds to the Lakers in the three losses. Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks need to get back to their star-level offensive performances from earlier in the season. If you like the Grizzlies, you see these players all getting back to where they were in terms of dominant play.
Bet on the Grizzlies!
Final Score and Prediction
It’s worth noting that the Lakers have covered in four of their last five games against the Grizzlies overall, and that the Lakers won Game 3 despite a 56-point night out of Morant. The supporting cast of the Grizzlies needs to show up. I think they will, and I predict a 110-103 win for Memphis.
Wild ending Grizzlies vs Lakers in Game 4
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