Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction: The Lakers have made a statement. Davis' defense key

The NBA Playoffs are in full shape and we have seen a bunch of surprises already. The First Round is still on and we are heading into a territory where each win or loss will make a difference. In the Western Conference battle, the Memphis Grizzlies are going to take on the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2.

The Lakers defeated the Grizzlies 128:112 in the first game of the series. In the first quarter, the Lakers took a five-point lead while the Grizzlies roared back in the second quarter and made it 65:59 at the end of the first half. The Lakers then picked up matters in the third quarter and jumped to a six points lead and then a 32:22 final quarter ensured a win. The Lakers shot an amazing 53.3% while being 43.2% from the three-point range, making 16 of them.

For the Lakers, Anthony Davis swatted seven shots(7 blocks) while compiling 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals. LeBron had 21 points, and Austin Reaves dropped 23 points. Rui Hachmiura scooped up 30 points and nailed five three-pointers in the process. For the Grizzlies, Jaren Jackson Jr led all scorers with a 31 points performance Ja Morant the team’s dynamic scorer and playmaker got injured and had 18 points but six turnovers. Desmond Bane and Dillon Brooks combined for 5 of 19 from deep. The team’s rebounding suffered and they badly needed Steven Adams to keep Anthony Davis busy on the boards.

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

• Expected Leading Scorers: Jaren Jackson(29-32 Points), LeBron James(26-33 Points);
• Expected Leading Rebounders: Anthony Davis(13-15 Rebounds), Jaren Jackson(10-12 Rebounds);
• Expected Leading Playmakers: LeBron James(8-11 Assists), Ja Morant(7-10 Assists)- QUES.

The Lakers had the Grizzlies’ number in the first game, they dominated three of the four quarters and this deepens the woes for Memphis. Memphis’ defense wasn’t Playoffs level and they got sucked into the gameplan of the Lakers which played much better defense lately. The injury status of Ja Morant complicates things for Grizzlies, but regardless of that, I see a much better effort from Memphis. I expect the scoring to go down below 230 here and the defense holding much more sway.