The Los Angeles Lakers enter the Footprint Center for Game 2 versus the Grizzlies with confidence after winning the opening game. It’s going to be a tough night for the hosts if starting point guard Ja Morant remains unavailable.

The Lakers have plenty of momentum right now and are at the end of two-consecutive postseason wins. They did well in the Play-In Tournament and exceeded expectations in Game 1 of the first round. Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins needs to rethink his game plan if his star guard fails to get clearance.

Nitrobetting is ready to dish out key assists and lob passes with betting tips and news coverage throughout the 2023 NBA Playoffs. This time, let’s break down the upcoming playoff showdown between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Game 2 2023 NBA Playoffs First-Round Information

• When: Wednesday, April 19, 2023, 7:30 PM ET
• Where: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
• TV: TNT
• Radio: 710 ESPNLA (Lakers) // ESPN 92.9 FM (Grizzlies)
• Live Stream: NBA League Pass
• NBA Betting Odds: Lakers (-1) / Grizzlies (+1)

READ MORE: Clippers vs. Suns 2023 NBA Playoffs Odds and Game 2 Preview – April 18th

Why Bet on the Los Angeles Lakers?

The Lakers kept their playoff hopes alive following a Play-In victory over the Timberwolves. This puts them up against the second-seed Grizzlies in the first round and were clear underdogs of the pairing. However, the 2020 NBA Champions defied expectations and secured a comfortable 128-112 victory over Memphis in Game 1.

Los Angeles played well. They shot 53.3% from the field and made 16 of 37 looks from deep. These two alone were enough to get ahead of the Grizzlies despite the hosts shooting better from the line. The Lakers outrebounded the Southwest Division side 45 to 34 and collected four more offensive rebounds by the final buzzer. Furthermore, the Lakers transitioned well on the floor and scored 26 fast break points versus the Grizzlies’ 17 points.

The regular season concluded well for the turbulent Lakers squad. Since picking up a few key pieces in the trade window, we’ve seen the lineup produce more competent performances towards the final regular-season weeks. As a team, the Lakers average 117.2 points per game on 48.2% shooting. On the defensive side, they hold opponents to 116.4 points on 46.8% shooting, while collecting 54.2 total rebounds per game.

Why Bet on the Memphis Grizzlies?

The Grizzlies have to step up their game if they want to get past a healthy Lakers unit. As of now, Ja Morant is out of the picture after sustaining a hand injury. This means second-choice guard Tyus Jones has to cover for him in Game 2, while Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and the rest of the starters share the scoring load.

Memphis closed the opening game by documenting inferior shooting compared to the Lakers. They ended the night shooting 47.2% from the field and 36.1% from deep. Although the lineup hit 15 of its 16 looks from the line, they struggled to go toe-to-toe with the visitors’ rebounding strength. Without much height to show, the hosts also suffered 11 blocked shots. On paper, they should be able to keep the Lakers under constant pressure. Memphis averages 116.9 points per game on 47.5% and holds teams to 113.2 points per game on a league-best 45.4% opponent shooting.

It was Jaren Jackson Jr. that put in the work in Game 1. Without Morant, he stepped up and scored 31 points on 13 of 21 from the field. Desmond Bane opened up a few opportunities for his team and logged six assists in 37 minutes on the floor.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Betting Trends

• The Lakers are 3-2 in its last five road playoff games (3-2 ATS).
• The Lakers are 3-2 in the last five contests against the Grizzlies (3-2 ATS).
• The totals went over in two of the Lakers’ last three preseason games on the road.
• The Grizzlies are 3-2 in the last five postseason games at FedExForum (3-2 ATS).
• The Grizzlies are 3-2 in its last five home games versus the Lakers (3-2 ATS).
• The totals went over in three of the Grizzlies’ last five playoff games as hosts.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Game 2 Expert Betting Predictions

Another upset in the first batch of Round 1 games surprised many basketball fans and bettors. The Lakers at full health can be relentless. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have to think about plan B without Morant. The Lakers passed an early test and outlasted the Western Conference’s second-seed team. We’ve seen the margins close down and have both sides neck and neck. Although Memphis gets the nod as a favorite with the home-court advantage on it side, we already know that the Lakers can cover the spread and go for another win before heading back to California.

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2022-23 NBA season previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on our online BTC sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.