Grizzlies vs. Lakers Game 6 Preview, Odds, Predictions, Picks (Apr 28)

The Memphis Grizzlies visit Los Angeles, where they haven’t won against the Lakers this year. If they intend to extend their playoff run, a win on Friday night is a must because they trail 3-2 in the first round of the West NBA playoffs. Since losing the opening game at home, things could have been better for the franchise from Memphis, who drew too much negative energy upon themselves, most during the regular part of the campaign. All that reflects upon them nowadays. On the other side, the Lakers are doing their thing, with both Anthony Davis and LeBron playing at a very high level. 

Preview

Memphis Grizzlies (+170) finally showed some of their potential in Game 5. Desmond Bane was the one who relentlessly stuffed the Lakers’ basket, reaching 33 points and ten boards while being the top scorer of the home unit. 

Bane and the Grizzlies imposed their own tempo right away, winning the opening period 38-24 and not allowing the Lakers to have the slightest chance of coming back in the game. The way Memphis played reminded of their games in the early part of the year, with a high pace on the offensive side and swift ball movement. It was obvious that the LAL struggled to catch up with Taylor Jenkins’ crew.

Ja had 31 points and ten boards, while Jaren Jackson Jr scored 18 with ten rebounds. We must add that the Grizzlies’ defense did a solid job, limiting the Lakers to only 40% of FG.

LA Lakers (-205) made only 37 field goals in 92 attempts and had 10 threes in 39 downtown shots. Even though they outrebounded the rivals 54-52, the result was heavily on Memphis’ side throughout the entire clash.

The possible reason for this could be an extremely poor contribution off the bench, with only three players scoring points, 18 in total. The team leaders didn’t have some particularly good stats, apart from Anthony Davis, who was dominant in the paint with 31 points and 19 boards, 14-for-23 from the field.

James was 5-for-17, Russell 4-for-11, and Austin Reaves 4-for-13, a combined 14-for-41. LeBron had 14 points, D-Lo 17, and Reaves 17. As stated, it was apparent that the Lakers couldn’t handle the high pace imposed by the Grizzlies, which eventually caused their poor shooting stats. 

Head to Head

In four games played in LA this year, the Lakers ended up on the winning side each time. Each time the Lakers were the one who controlled the offense, scoring 117 or more points on three occasions. They did have some problems in Game 4 of the series, once they had to go through overtime to win, 117-111.

Prediction

LeBron rarely loses the “matchpoint” games, and that will be the case in this situation too. The Lakers are an enigma for the Grizzlies at the Crypto.com Arena. Apart from the home court, there is always a matter of the officials who tend to help the LAL, as we’ve seen many times throughout history. Also, the Grizzlies have plenty of flaws in their game, particularly in the moments when things aren’t going in their direction, which is why we pick the hosts to triumph. 

Pick: Lakers win -205

Here is the preview for Game 1 of the East semis Heat vs. Knicks.