Los Angeles Lakers (47-40) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (52-34)
April 26, 2023 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Memphis Grizzlies -4; Over/Under: 221.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies meet Wednesday in Game 5 of the NBA West First Round Playoffs at the FedExForum. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
The Los Angeles Lakers are averaging 112.3 points on 46 percent shooting and allowing 106.8 points on 41.6 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Anthony Davis is averaging 19.5 points and 12.3 rebounds. Rui Hachimura is the third double-digit scorer and Austin Reaves is grabbing 4.5 rebounds. The Los Angeles Lakers are shooting 31.5 percent from beyond the arc and 81.1 percent from the free throw line. The Los Angeles Lakers are allowing 30.1 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 48 rebounds per game.
The Memphis Grizzlies are averaging 106.8 points on 41.6 percent shooting and allowing 112.3 points on 46 percent shooting. Ja Morant is averaging 27.3 points and 7.3 assists, while Desmond Bane is averaging 23.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. is the third double-digit scorer and Dillon Brooks is grabbing 3 rebounds. The Memphis Grizzlies are shooting 30.1 percent from beyond the arc and 85.9 percent from the free throw line. The Memphis Grizzlies are allowing 31.5 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45.5 rebounds per game.
The Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest and 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games overall. The over is 10-2 in Lakers last 12 overall. The over is 4-1 in Grizzlies last 5 Wednesday games. The Lakers are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings in Memphis and 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings.
The Memphis Grizzlies are also getting the benefit of the doubt because their season is on the line, and they’re at home, where they’ve been great ad win by an average of 10 points. However, the Grizzlies are also banged up, and that includes Morant playing with a massive wrap on his hand. The Lakers have comfortably been the better team this series and have been a nightmare defensively. It’s hard to turn down free points with the better, healthier team, regardless of where the game is played. Give me the Lakers and the points.
