Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction: Spicy series

The NBA Playoffs have lived up to their billing and the first round itself has seen some good stuff. Top seeds are being tested and the lower-ranked squads are showing why they are in the Playoffs, grit and grind define the playoff squads after all. In this game, the grit and grind squad the Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Memphis Grizzlies.

After losing 112:128 in Game 1, the Memphis Grizzlies turned it around and defeated the Lakers 103:93 in Game 2. The Grizzlies started with a 30:19 first quarter and extended their advantage to 15 points at the end of the first half. The Lakers cut the deficit to 12 in the third quarter but in the end, the Grizzlies closed the game rather comfortably and their amazing defense helped them out here. The Grizzlies held the Lakers below 27% from the three-point line and made four triples more than the Lakers.

Xavier Tillman Jr. scooped up 22 points and 13 rebounds, shooting a phenomenal 10/13 from the floor. Jaren Jackson had another strong game, starring with 18 points, nine rebounds, and three blocks. Tyus Jones, Dillon Brooks, and Desmond, the three guards combined for just 3/17 from the deep. For the Lakers, LeBron James had a strong game, nabbing 28 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 assists. Rui Hachimura had a strong game too, scoring 20 points and five rebounds to continue his superb form. Anthony Davis had just 13 points on a poor 4/14 shooting but had five blocks and nine rebounds. D’Angelo Russell shot below 20%.

• Grizzlies: OUT: Brandon Clarke, Steven Adams, Jake LaVaria. QUESTIONABLE: Ja Morant;
• Lakers: PROBABLE: Dennis Schroeder, Anthony Davis, LeBron James.

• Expected Leading Scorers: LeBron James(32-37 Points), Jaren Jackson (28-33 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Anthony Davis(14-18 Rebounds), Xavier Tillman(10-12 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: Tyus Jones(6-9 Assists), LeBron James(8-10 Assists).

The Lakers and the Grizzlies both have showcased numerous vulnerabilities. Anyway, the main quarry is if the Grizzlies play their best game if Ja Morant is absent, this has happened time and time again. The Grizzlies’ defense was solid in the last game but out of the five remaining games, three are going to be held on the homecourt of the Lakers. Anyway, I see a close game, and the score below 215.