Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers: Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds (3/7/23)
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The Memphis Grizzlies visit the Los Angeles Lakers in a big Western Conference clash. The Grizzlies are coming off a loss to the Clippers where they blew a 16-point lead in the 4th quarter, while the Lakers surprised the Warriors and ended their 5-game winning streak. This is a big matchup for playoff seeding in the Western Conference. Let’s take a look at the odds and make some picks and predictions for this game!
Grizzlies vs. Lakers Prediction
The Los Angeles Lakers have recovered well after undergoing a big team makeover at the trade deadline. They’re tied with the Utah Jazz record-wise at 31-34 and have a great chance of passing them with this game.
Anthony Davis is the key for the Lakers with LeBron out due to injury. Davis averages 26.4 PPG and then leads the team in rebounds at 12.3 per game. Malik Beasley and Lonnie Walker IV can provide some help in the backcourt on both offense and defense. They both average 13 PPG and are both two of the best three-point shooters on the team with Beasley at 35.8% and Walker at 37.1%. Dennis Schroder is playing well as the point guard with D’Angelo Russell out. He averages 12.5 PPG and 4.6 assists per game.
The Lakers have been great on offense this year and are top-10 in points cored at 116.7 per game. They’re also top-5 in rebounds per game at 45.7.
On the other side, the Memphis Grizzlies have been great this year, but are currently dealing with some off-court issues, surrounding Ja Morant.
Desmond Bane is going to be expected to do more with Morant out. He averages 21.5 PPG and also one of the best three-point shooters on the team at 41.8%. Jaren Jackson Jr. is another player that’ll have to step up. He averages 17 PPG and is a leading candidate for defensive player of the year because he’s averaging 3.3 blocks per game. Dillon Brooks has made a habit of being a big irritant for other NBA players. He averages 14.4 PPG too.
The Grizzlies are solid across the board on both sides of the court. They’re top-10 in scoring a 115.8 PPG and also are top-10 in points allowed at 112. They’re second in both rebounds per game at 47 and blocks per game at 6. They’re also top-5 in point differential at +3.8.
The Lakers should win this game and cover. They’re healthier and aren’t dealing with as many distractions as the Grizzlies are. Take LA here.
Grizzlies Vs. Lakers Prediction: Lakers -1.5
Grizzlies vs. Lakers Betting Odds
The Los Angeles Lakers are 1.5-point favorites against the Memphis Grizzlies and are at -125 on the money line. There’s also no over/under listed. It makes sense that the Lakers are favored because they’re at home and playing very well right now. Expect the over/under to be high because both teams are very good on offense.This spread could also change a bit before tip-off because it’s so small and injuries are more clear.
Betting Trends
Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall.
Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of less than .400.
Key Matchups
Can Xavier Tillman matchup with Anthony Davis? Can Malik Beasley matchup with Desmond Bane?
Anthony Davis vs. Xavier Tillman
Anthony Davis is capable of carrying the Lakers. He averages 26 points, 2.5 assists, and 12 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Xavier Tillman most of the game, who averages 6 points, 1 assist, and 4 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because Tillman needs to defend Davis well if the Grizzlies are going to have any chance here.
Desmond Bane vs. Malik Beasley
Desmond Bane is capable of steadying the ship until Ja Morant gets back. He averages 21.5 points, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds per game for the season. He’ll be matched up against Malik Beasley most of the game, who averages 13 points, 2 assists, and 4 rebounds per game for the season. This is a big matchup because Bane is a great scorer and is going up against Beasley, who’s a very good defender and Bane needs to play well in order for Memphis to have a chance here.
Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup
PG: Tyus Jones
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: David Roddy
PF: Xavier Tillman
C: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineups
PG: Dennis Schroder
SG: Malik Beasley
SF: Jarred Vanderbilt
PF: Troy Brown Jr.
C: Anthony Davis
Key Injuries
Memphis Grizzlies Injuries: C Steven Adams (Knee) O, PF Brandon Clarke (Achilles) O
Los Angeles Lakers Injuries: SF LeBron James (Foot) O, PG D’Angelo Russell (Ankle) O