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The 7th Seed Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, 20-21 Away) will play the 2nd Seed Memphis Grizzlies (51-31, 35-6 Home) tonight in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs First Round. The Los Angeles Lakers won the first game, 128-112, and are looking to take a 2-0 lead against Memphis. These two teams will play tonight at 7:30 PM EDT, at FedEx Forum, located in Memphis, Tennessee. The matchup will air on TNT. If you are looking for the best betting odds and stats, here is information to know:
Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Under/Over
*All lines are taken from Draft Kings*
Money Line
Lakers: -115
Grizzlies: -105
Over/Under: 227
Lakers: -110
Grizzlies: -110
Spread:
Lakers: -1(-110)
Grizzlies: +1(-110)
Playoff Matchup:
Lakers are up 1-0 vs. The Grizzlies.
Game 1: Lakers Defeat the Grizzlies 128-112.
Betting Odds: Memphis (-4.5), Over/Under 228.
Betting Results: Lakers Money Line, Lakers +4.5, OVER.
Game Summary:
The Los Angeles Lakers certainly made a statement in Game 1 after a tumultuous first season under Head Coach Darvin Ham. Rui Hachimura was acquired mid-season and had the best game of his Playoff Career. Hachimura exploded for 29 Points, 6 Rebounds, and shot 5-6 from the Three off the Lakers Bench. Most of his points took place in the third quarter, where the Lakers took control.
In addition, Anthony Davis had a double-double, 22 Points along with 12 Rebounds. LeBron James, D’Angelo Russell, and Austin Reaves all had points in Double-Digits. Overall, the Lakers shot 43.2 Percent from the Three, 43 Percent from the Field, 87.5 Percent from the line, and outrebounded the Grizzlies 45-34. In addition, they set the tempo and led in fast break points. The Lakers had 11 Blocks as a team, including 7 by Anthony Davis. We really got to see the amount of depth and talent the Lakers have, and how good they can be when they get into a rhythm.
Although Memphis had complete control in the second quarter, they lost All-Star Ja Morant to a hand injury. Morant quoted, “My main focus was to be out there for my guys. Another incident where, you know, that's pretty much in jeopardy. (ESPN).” Even though Morant went down with an injury, he still added 30 minutes and 18 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. erupted for 31 points, 1 Steal, 2 Blocks, and shot 13-21 from the Field. Also, Desmond Bane, and Dillon Brooks added points in double-digits. ?Overall, the Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the Field, 36 Percent from the Three, and kept up with the Lakers in the paint offensively. Ultimately, the Grizzlies couldn’t keep up without Ja Morant, the Lakers shot better from the Three, and had more fast break points.
Season Matchup
Lakers are 2-1 vs. the Grizzlies this season:
Game 1: Grizzlies 121-Lakers 122 (Lakers Home).
Betting Odds: Memphis (-7), Over/Under 244.
Betting Results: Lakers Money Line, Lakers +7, UNDER.
Game Summary:
Before this game, the Grizzlies were on an 11-game win streak. However, that streak came to an end, thanks to the Lakers. This game was a nail biter until the end, when Dennis Schr?der knocked down a Three in the last seconds of the game. Both the Lakers and Memphis struggled from the Three, shooting 31 percent. In addition, Memphis Outrebounded the Lakers 63-47, and dominated points in the paint 64-44. However, the Grizzlies couldn’t hit their free-throws, had more fouls, and the Lakers capitalized at the Free-Throw Line.? ?Overall, the Lakers again controlled the tempo, and had more fast break points. Also, it’s important to know Los Angeles were without Anthony Davis.
Game 2: Lakers 109 - Grizzlies 121 (Grizzlies Home)
Betting Odd: Memphis (-9), Over/Under 230.5.
Betting Results: Memphis ML, Memphis -9, OVER.
Game Summary:
The Lakers were without star LeBron James, and again had a different roster, given this game was before the NBA Trade Deadline. Anthony Davis led the way with 28 Points, and 19 rebounds. In addition, the Lakers Bench added 53 Points.? Ja Morant exploded for 39 Points, 10 Assists, 10 Rebounds, and took over in the third quarter.
The Grizzlies struggled from the Three-Point and shot 19 percent from beyond the arc. In addition, The Lakers Outrebounded the Grizzlies 56-47, and shot 38 percent from the Three. Also, the Lakers had 41 points off turnovers. Although Memphis dominated points in the paint 86-48, Lakers were able to capitalize off those turnovers and the three-point shot.
Game 3: Grizzlies 103 – Lakers 112 (Lakers Home).
Betting Odds: Los Angeles (-1.5), Over/Under 226.5.
Betting Results: Lakers Money Line, Lakers -1.5, UNDER.
Game Summary:
The Lakers came up with the win, without star LeBron James, and an overhauled roster. Also, Memphis was without star Ja Morant. Once again, Anthony Davis led the way for the Lakers, and their bench added 32 Points. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way for Memphis.
Once again, both teams struggled from the Three, shooting 25 percent and under beyond the arc. However, the Lakers shot nearly 46 percent from the Field, and outrebounded Memphis 57-45. In addition, Los Angeles had more points in the paint, and had more fast break points.
Injury Report
Los Angeles Lakers:
SF LeBron James (Probable): Right Foot Soreness.
PF Anthony Davis (Probable): Right Foot Stress Injury.
PG Dennis Schr?der (probably): Right Foot Soreness.
Memphis Grizzlies.
PG Ja Morant (Questionable): Hand Injury-Game Time Decision.
C Steven Adams (OUT): Knee.
PF Brandon Clarke (OUT): Achilles Tear.
F Jake LaRavia (OUT): Calf.
Key Players:
Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Davis:
Although Anthony Davis only played in 56 games this year, due to injury, he is a vital part of this time, on both sides of the court.
Anthony Davis averaged?28.5 Points, 1.2 Steals, 2 Blocks, 12.8 rebounds, and shoots 57.1 percent from the field, and 26 percent from the three on the road this season.
Davis averaged 29 Points, 3.5 Blocks, 20.5 Rebounds, and shot 55.6 Percent from the Field, and 33 Percent from the Three in 2 regular season games against Memphis.
In Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, Anthony Davis played 37 minutes, and put up 22 Points, 3 Steals, 7 Blocks, 3 Assists, 12 Rebounds, shot 100 Percent from the Line, and 59 Percent from the Field. If he’s available to play, he will be a huge x-factor on the glass and on the offensive end. Rebounding is a huge part of winning games, and Anthony Davis will have to take advantage of the size matchup without Steven Adams in the lineup.
LeBron James
If LeBron James is available to play, he is the most important player to this team off and on the court.
In 29 Road games, James averaged 30 Points, 6.5 Assists, 8.6 Rebounds, shot 50 Percent from the Field, and 31 Percent from the Three.? In 1 regular season game against Memphis, James averaged 23 Points, 2 Steals, 2 Blocks, 6 Assists, 9 Rebounds, and struggled shooting.
LeBron had a lot of help in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs, thanks to Lakers Bench. In 34 minutes, LeBron added 21 Points, 2 Steals, 3 Blocks, 5 Assists, and 11 Rebounds. Additionally, he shot 50 percent from the field, and 37.5 Percent from downtown.
Lakers Bench and Role Players
?Rui Hachimura added 29 Points off the bench for the Lakers in Game 1 against the Grizzlies. In addition, the Lakers bench scored 39 points. In 4 games against Memphis, Hachimura averaged 11 Points, and shot 40 percent from the three, and 48.6 percent from the field. Austin Reaves was incredible in Game 1 and was a big contributor in the regular season matchup against the Grizzlies. In Game 1, Reaves scored 23 Points, had 1 Block, 1 Steal, and shot 60 percent from the field AND the three-point. In 2 regular season games against the Grizzlies, Austin Reaves averaged 17 Points, 7 Assists, and 50 percent from the Three.
Although D’Angelo Russell didn’t have his best game, look for him to step up if Lebron James or Anthony Davis can’t suit up for this game. Both Lonnie Walker IV Dennis Schr?der, and Malik Beasley all can step up in big games.
Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant
Ja Morant is the Star, and the heart and soul of this team. If he is unable to suit up tonight, it will be a huge loss for Memphis, who’s already without Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke. Ja is a player that can attack the rim, handle the ball, distribute, and has extremely versatility and athleticism.
Before Morant exited with a hand injury, he played 30 minutes, added 18 points, 2 Steals, 6 Rebounds, and shot 66.7 Percent from the Three.
In 2 Regular Games against the Lakers this Season, Morant averaged 30 Points, 9 Assists, 6.5 Rebounds, and shot only 9 percent from the Three.
In Home games this year, Ja Morant averaged 27 Points, 1.3 Steals, and shot 46 percent from the field.
Jaren Jackson Jr.
Jaren Jackson Jr. is an extremely talented player that quietly averaged 18.6 Points in the regular season.
In Home Games this season, Jackson Jr. averaged 18.5 Points, 1.2 Steals, 3.6 Blocks, and shot 51 Percent from the field.
In Game 1, he erupted for 31 Points, 2 Blocks, 1 Steal, and shot 62 Percent from the field, and 50 percent from the Three. He is a vital part of this team, with or without Ja Morant.
Key Stats- Playoffs:
?Los Angeles averages 128 Points Per Game.
?Memphis averages 112 Points Per Game.
?Los Angeles ranks 8th in Points Allowed with 112 opponents points per game.
?Memphis ranks 15th in Points Allowed with 128 opponents points per game.
?Los Angeles ranks 6th in Rebounds?Per Game with 45.
?Memphis ranks 16th in Rebounds?Per Game?with 34.
?Los Angeles ranks 2nd in Point Differential at +16.
?Memphis ranks 14th in Point Differential at -16.
?Los Angeles ranks 1st in Blocked Shots with 11 per game.
?Memphis ranks 15th in Blocked Shots with 2 per game.
?Los Angeles averages 43.2 percent from the 3-point, while Memphis averages 36.1 from the 3-point.
Key Stats- Regular Season:
?Los Angeles averaged 117.2 Points Per Game.
?Memphis averaged 116.9 Points Per Game.
?Los Angeles ranked 20th in Points Allowed?with 116.6 opponents points per game.
?Memphis ranked 11th in Points Allowed with 113 opponents points per game.
?Los Angeles ranked 25th in Rebounds?Per Game with 44.9.
?Memphis ranked 21st in Rebounds?Per Game with 44.4.
?Los Angeles ranked 16th in Point Differential at + 0.5
?Memphis ranked 4th in Point Differential at +3.9
?Los Angeles ranked 16th in Blocked Shots with 4.6 per game.
?Memphis ranked 3rd in Blocked Shots with 5.8 per game.
?Los Angeles averaged 34.6 percent from the 3-point range, while Memphis averages 35.1 from the 3-point range.
LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION:
SPREAD: Lakers -1
-Los Angeles covered the spread in 5 of their last 10 games.
-Memphis covered the spread in 3 of their last 10 games.
-Los Angeles has a 41-42-1 record ATS this season.
-Memphis has a 37-44-2 record ATS this season.
-Memphis 23-18-1 in HOME games ATS this season.
-Los Angeles is 20-21-1 in AWAY games ATS this season.
MONEY LINE: Lakers Money Line
-Los Angeles won the Money Line 8 out of their last 10 games.
-Memphis won the Money Line 5 of their last 10 games.
The Lakers won the regular season series 2-1 against Memphis. Assuming Anthony Davis and LeBron will be in the lineup, I like the Lakers here. Although Ja Morant will be a game time decision, this Lakers team has more depth and the talent around LeBron to get a win. Give me Lakers Money Line.
OVER/UNDER- UNDER
-Los Angeles Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +1.43
-Memphis Avg +/- vs O/U Line: -0.78
-Los Angeles Overall O/U Record: 45-39-0
-Memphis overall O/U Record: 38-43-2.
-Los Angeles hit the OVER 9 times in their last 10 games.
-Memphis hit the OVER 5 times in their last 10 games.
It’s hard to pick the Over, when LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Ja Morant are all on the injury report. I can’t see the Grizzlies getting well over 100 Points if Morant is indeed out.
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Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and Writer of www.ebooksnet.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter/YouTube/Twitch/Instagram/TikTok: @GGirlSports.
