Grizzlies Fight Lakers in Tough First Round Series  

For the first four months of the NBA betting season, the Memphis Grizzlies were one of the hottest brands on the board.  Namely, Ja Morant emerged as a budding superstar as Memphis challenged for the top seed in the Western Conference.  Most important of all, the Grizzlies provided good betting value as a team ignored by the masses and fanboys.  But then Morant self-destructed down the regular season stretch.  Memphis is now in the fight of its playoff life against the resurgent Los Angeles Lakers.  

2023 NBA Playoffs – Western Conference First Round

CashBet Odds:  Memphis Grizzlies +295 vs. Los Angeles Lakers -370

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Series Schedule

Game 1: Lakers 128, Grizzlies 112
Game 2: Grizzlies 103, Lakers 93
Game 3: Lakers 111, Grizzlies 101
Game 4: Grizzlies at Lakers, Monday, April 24 (10 p.m., TNT)
Game 5: Lakers at Grizzlies, Wednesday, April 26 (7:30 p.m., TNT)
Game 6: Grizzlies at Lakers, Friday, April 28 (TBD)*
Game 7: Lakers at Grizzlies, Sunday, April 30 (TBD)*

All times listed are Eastern. (* – if necessary)

Lakers vs. Grizzlies CashBet Wagering Analysis

On this occasion, the Lakers will carry most of the best sportsbook online activity as the bigger brand with momentum.

Lakers Become a New Team in the Playoffs

Late on, Los Angeles has covered two out of their last six games.  At the same time, the Lakers have gone under the total in three of its previous four matchups.

Los Angeles ranks 6^th for scoring offense, 10^th for field goal percentage, 25^th for 3-point field goal percentage, 20^th for free throw percentage, and 6^th for offensive rebounding.  At the same time, on defense, the Lakers rank 20^th for scoring defense, 10^th for field goal percentage permitted, 2^nd for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 25^th for defensive rebounding.

The Los Angeles Lakers finished 43-39 straight up, 40-41-1 against the spread, and 43-38-1 over/under the betting on NBA total.  First among Laker playoff scorers is LeBron James, with 24.7 points and 10.7 rebounds per game.  Anthony Davis adds 22.0 points and 12.7 rebounds per contest.

Grizzlies in Hibernation at Crunch Time  

Late on, Memphis has covered two out of their last eight games.  In comparison, the Grizzlies have gone under the pro basketball betting total in three of its previous four matchups.

Overall, Memphis ranks 9^th for scoring offense, 16^th for field goal percentage, 23^rd for 3-point field goal percentage, 30^th for free throw percentage, and 2^nd for offensive rebounding.  In turn, on defense, the Grizzlies have NBA metrics of 11^th for scoring defense, 1^st for field goal percentage permitted, 9^th for 3-point field goal percentage allowed, and 21^st for defensive rebounding.  

First among Memphis playoff scorers is Ja Morant, with 31.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game.  Jaren Jackson Jr adds 20.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.  

Game 3 Recap  

LeBron James and the Lakers came out in front of this franchise’s first sellout playoff crowd in a decade and delivered one of the greatest first quarters in team history.  To illuminate, Los Angeles leaped to a 35-9 lead amidst one raucous ovation after another from fans eager for a return to playoff success.  By contrast, Ja Morant couldn’t carry the Memphis Grizzlies in a comeback for game 3.

Anthony Davis had 31 points and 17 rebounds to lead the Lakers.  At the same time, James finished with 25 points.  Following the ejection of Dillon Brooks for striking James in the groin.  Los Angeles survived Morant’s 24-point fourth quarter to beat the Grizzlies 111-101 Saturday night for a 2-1 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Namely, Rui Hachimura scored 16 points in another strong effort off the bench for the seventh-seeded Lakers.  Los Angeles came out impressively in this long-awaited return to a true playoff home atmosphere.  Los Angeles tied an NBA record by taking a 26-point lead into the second quarter.  And Memphis couldn’t get closer than 13 points until the final two minutes.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies CashBet Free Pick  

In this situation, the Grizzlies are being discounted by the masses.  That makes Memphis a potentially better NBA gambling value.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies CashBet Best Bet

Memphis Grizzlies