The LA Lakers host the Memphis Grizzlies at Crypto.com Arena Saturday. Tip in Game 3 of the Western Conference quarterfinals is set for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Grizzlies vs. Lakers odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Lakers beat the Grizzles in Game 1 128-112, but they came out a bit flat in Game 2, losing 103-93.
LA will return home, and all it needs to do is handle business at Crypto.com Arena. Los Angeles was led by F LeBron James in Game 2. He scored a team-high 28 points and 12 boards.
The Grizzlies, who played Game 2 without star G Ja Morant, were led by an unlikely effort from F Xavier Tillman, who was 10-for-13 from the field and scored 22 points. Memphis had all 5 starters in double figures.
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Grizzlies at Lakers odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:25 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Grizzlies +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Lakers -190 (bet $190 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies +4.5 (-115) | Lakers -4.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Grizzlies at Lakers key injuries
Grizzlies
- G Ja Morant (hand) questionable
Lakers
- C Anthony Davis (foot) probable
- F LeBron James (foot) probable
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Grizzlies at Lakers picks and predictions
Prediction
Lakers 121, Grizzlies 114
Moneyline
AVOID.
The Lakers should come out with some steam at home, and at (-190), I wouldn’t back them to win outright given the price tag.
The Grizzlies at (+155) will be a popular underdog as the No. 2 seed takes to the road, but the Lakers were 5-1 in their last 6 home games. I would pass there as well.
Against the spread
BET LAKERS -4.5 (-115).
The comments between F Dillon Brooks and James should light a fire under the future 1st-ballot Hall of Famer, and the Grizzlies got one of the best games of Tillman’s career, which is unlikely to be repeated.
Memphis was just 6-12 against the spread (ATS) as an underdog this season as well, so it hasn’t performed well when not considered the better side. The Lakers were 3-2 ATS over their last 5 regular-season home games.
Lastly, both games ended with the winning team being up double figures, so they haven’t ended up close down the stretch yet, making the spread easier to get behind than a juiced moneyline.
Considering both trends and the likelihood James dominates in LA, back the LAKERS -4.5 (-115).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 221.5 (-115).
The Lakers are 9-2 O/U in their last 11 games and scored 128 on the Grizzlies in Game 1. They should bounce back offensively after scoring just 93 in Game 2.
The Grizzlies are 5-4 O/U in their last 9 games and ranked 8th in pace during the regular season. They play at a high tempo. Points should be scored in bunches given the pace (the Lakers sat 4th in pace during the regular season).
Take the OVER 221.5 (-115).
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