Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction: The Lakers are fancied by the Grizzlies can shut them down

The NBA Playoffs have arrived and we have hit the first round up and running. In another riveting season, the stakes are ever-so-high and there is no shortage of top-notch action as the race to the title picks up quickly. In this first-round playoff match-up, the Memphis Grizzlies will take on the Los Angeles Lakers.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies enter the first round after registering 51 wins and 31 losses in what was another successful season, and for the second time in a row, they finished second in the West standings. The Grizzlies had a controversial season as Ja Morant had off-season troubles and Dillon Brooks made many provocative comments, but overall, they had a great season. The team started with 31 wins and 13 losses, and after that, they had 20 wins and 18 losses, which is a big downturn. Jaren Jackson Jr. hit his peak offensively late in the season and his defense is always a bonus. Can Morant and Bane effect a deep run in the Playoffs?

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers were made to work hard by the Timberwolves in the Play-in game but prevailed 108:102 in the Overtime. LeBron James put up 30 points, Anthony Davis racked up 18 rebounds, and D’Angelo Russell had eight assists to lead the way. Dennis Schroeder knocked down a crucial three with a second left in the regulation but then Davis fouled Mike Conley on the three-point line. The Lakers' offense has been inefficient but their defense has been strict and doesn’t opponents slip away. It will be interesting to see how the Lakers respond here.

Injuries

• Grizzlies: OUT: Steven Adams, Brandon Clarke;
• Lakers: Game-Time Decision: Dennis Schroeder.

Player Props Predictions

• Expected Leading Scorers: Anthony Davis(28-34 Points), Jaren Jackson Jr (26-33 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Anthony Davis(12-17 Rebounds), Jaren Jackson(9-11 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: D’Angelo Russell(8-10 Assists), Ja Morant(8-10 Assists).

Expert Betting Tips

The Grizzlies have been a strong team and the rankings clearly display that but in the second half of the season, the Lakers played much better than them on both ends and had a much better balance. It will be interesting to see how the match-up of Anthony Davis and Jaren Jackson shapes up and this has to be the biggest one here. I expect the Lakers to give the Grizzlies a lot of fight and the scoring to be down. I ultimately believe that Memphis will win 108:102.