Grizzlies vs Lakers Prediction Game 5 NBA Experts Picks 4/26
- Lm Tipster
- Apr 25, 2023, 9:06:42 PM
© Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Game Preview: Lakers vs Grizzlies (Apr 26, 2023)Pregame – Lakers try to secure series win over the Grizzlies
The Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, seventh in the Western Conference) will take on the Memphis Grizzlies (51-31, second in the Western Conference) on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 at 7:30 PM EDT. The Grizzlies are currently 3.5-point favorites with an over/under of 219.5. As the Lakers lead the series 3-1, they'll look to clinch the series over the Grizzlies in game five of the Western Conference first round.
In their last matchup, the Lakers beat the Grizzlies 117-111 in overtime. Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 23 points, while Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 36 points. The Grizzlies have a record of 30-22 in conference matchups and they score 116.9 points while outscoring opponents by 3.9 points per game. The Lakers have gone 27-25 against Western Conference opponents and are currently the Western Conference leader with 35.7 defensive rebounds per game led by LeBron James averaging 10.3.
Lakers: Offensive Analysis
The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to secure a series win over the Memphis Grizzlies in game five of the Western Conference first round. In order to do so, they will need to have a strong offensive performance. The Lakers' offense has been solid throughout the season, averaging 116.8 points/game (ranked 8th in the league). They score 54.5 points/game in the paint (ranked 6th), which is an area they should look to exploit against the Grizzlies. They also score 16.8 fastbreak points/game (ranked 4th), which will be important to get easy baskets and beat the Grizzlies in transition. One weakness of the Lakers' offense is their three-point shooting. They only shoot 34.4% from beyond the arc (ranked 27th), which is a concern since the Grizzlies have a solid defense that will look to force them into shooting from the outside. The Lakers will need to get good looks and knock down their shots to put pressure on the Grizzlies. The Lakers are led by Anthony Davis, who is averaging 19.5 points/game, 12.3 rebounds/game, and 4.8 blocks/game. However, LeBron James has been the team's best player over the last 10 games, averaging 25.4 points/game. The Lakers will need both players to have big games to secure a win. Overall, the Lakers' offense has the potential to put up big numbers against the Grizzlies, but they will need to execute well and not settle for bad shots.
Lakers: Defensive Analysis
In the upcoming game against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Los Angeles Lakers will need to rely on their strong defense to secure a series win. The Lakers have shown throughout the season that they can be a formidable defensive team, ranking 14th in opponent average score margin with a -0.9, and 19th in opposition points per game with 116.0. Los Angeles is the Western Conference leader in defensive rebounds per game, averaging 35.7. This is largely due to the efforts of LeBron James who is currently averaging 10.3 rebounds per game. Another strength of the Lakers' defense is their ability to limit their opponents' fast break points per game, ranking in the top five with 15.4. They also rank 13th in opposition two-point shooting percentage, giving them an advantage in the paint. The Lakers' defense will need to focus on shutting down the Grizzlies' top performers, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane, who are averaging 19 and 2.5 made three-pointers respectively over the last 10 games. Anthony Davis' defensive skills will be crucial in stopping the Grizzlies' offense, as he is currently averaging 1.8 steals and 4.8 blocks per game. Overall, with their strong defensive play and the leadership of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have the potential to secure a series win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Grizzlies: Offensive Analysis
The Memphis Grizzlies are facing a must-win situation as they look to avoid elimination against the Los Angeles Lakers in game five of the Western Conference first round. To achieve this, the Grizzlies' offense needs to step up and match the level of their opponents. The Grizzlies have been averaging 116.9 points per game while outscoring opponents by 3.9 points per game this season. However, they have struggled in their last ten games with a record of 4-6 while averaging 112.9 points and shooting just 45.4% from the field. Furthermore, their top scorer, Jaren Jackson Jr., has been averaging just 19 points over his last three games. On the other hand, the Lakers have been on a roll lately, winning eight of their last ten games and averaging 120.8 points per game. Led by Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who are averaging 19.5 points and 25.4 points respectively over their last ten games, the Lakers' offense is firing on all cylinders. In terms of shooting efficiency, the Lakers hold the edge with an effective field goal percentage of 54.0%, ranking 18th in the league. They also excel in drawing free throws, averaging 26.4 attempts per game. Although the Grizzlies have been struggling offensively, they are known for their defensive prowess, ranking 6th in the league in opponent points per game. However, they will need to step up their offensive game if they hope to stay alive in the playoffs. Overall, the Lakers have been the stronger offensive team, and they are expected to continue their dominance in game five. NBA picks experts and computer NBA picks and predictions favor the Lakers to win with a spread of -3.5 points and an over/under of 219.5 points. This game is not in favor of the Grizzlies, and they will need to come up with a great offensive strategy to turn the tide in their favor.
Grizzlies: Defensive Analysis
For the Los Angeles Lakers to secure a series win over the Memphis Grizzlies in game five of the Western Conference first round, they will need a strong defensive effort. The Grizzlies are a high-scoring team, averaging 116.9 points per game while outscoring opponents by 3.9 points per game. The Lakers have been strong on defense this season, as they are ranked 19th in the league in points allowed per game, giving up just 116.0 points per game. They will need to continue this defensive effort in order to slow down the Grizzlies' potent offense. LeBron James has been a defensive force for the Lakers, averaging 10.3 defensive rebounds per game, leading the team in this category. He will need to have another strong defensive performance in order to keep the Grizzlies off the offensive glass and limit their second-chance opportunities. The Grizzlies are led by Jaren Jackson Jr., who is averaging 19 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. The Lakers will need to focus on limiting his impact on the game and making it difficult for him to get clean looks at the basket. The Lakers will also need to continue their strong perimeter defense, as the Grizzlies are averaging 12.5 three-pointers made per game, which ranks 19th in the league. The Lakers have been solid defending the three-point line, holding opponents to just 34.2% shooting from beyond the arc. Injuries could play a factor in this game, as the Grizzlies will be without Steven Adams (knee) and Brandon Clarke (achilles), while the Lakers have no players listed on their injury report. Overall, the Lakers will need to bring their A-game on defense in order to secure a series win over the Grizzlies. They have the talent and experience to get the job done, but it will take a strong defensive effort to make it happen.
Injury Report
The Los Angeles Lakers have no injuries to report for the game against the Memphis Grizzlies. On the other hand, the Grizzlies have been dealing with several injuries throughout the season. Steven Adams is out with a knee injury, Brandon Clarke is out for the season with an Achilles injury, and Jake LaRavia is out with a calf injury. These injuries have certainly impacted the Grizzlies' playing rotation and effectiveness on the court. However, the team has managed to maintain a solid record and will look to overcome their injury woes to win game five of the Western Conference first round. The Lakers, with a fully healthy roster, will certainly have an advantage in this matchup.
| Player | Team | Position | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steven Adams | Grizzlies | C | Out (knee) |
| Brandon Clarke | Grizzlies | PF | Out for season (achilles) |
| Jake LaRavia | Grizzlies | F | Out (calf) |
| None listed | Lakers | N/A | N/A |
Betting Trends
As the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Memphis Grizzlies in game five of the Western Conference first-round, let's take a closer look at the betting trends for both teams. The Lakers' recent hot streak has made them a popular choice for NBA picks experts and NBA picks computers. They have won eight of their last ten games and have covered the spread in seven of those games. Additionally, the Lakers have a 19-15-1 record against the spread on the road this season. On the other hand, the Grizzlies have struggled against the spread in their last ten games, going 4-6. However, they have been a strong home team all season with a 23-13-1 record against the spread at home. The over/under for this game is set at 219.5, and the Lakers have gone over the total in six of their last ten games. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies have gone over the total in five of their last ten games. While there are no significant injuries for the Lakers, the Grizzlies will be missing Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke. This could have an impact on the Grizzlies' performance and may have influenced the spread.
Prediction
There are several reasons to believe that the Memphis Grizzlies will win and cover the -3.5 point spread in their upcoming game against the Los Angeles Lakers. First, the Grizzlies have one of the best home records in the NBA with a 35-6 record at home. This suggests that they have a strong advantage when playing on their home court, which could give them an edge in this matchup.
Second, the Grizzlies almost beat the Lakers in game 4 at Los Angeles, losing by only 6 points in overtime. This suggests that the Grizzlies are capable of playing competitively against the Lakers, which bodes well for their chances in the upcoming game.
Lastly, it's worth noting that the Lakers have not been as dominant on the road this season, with a 20-21 record away from home. This could give the Grizzlies an advantage, especially given their strong home record.
Taking all of these factors into account, it seems reasonable to predict that the Grizzlies will win and cover the -3.5 point spread in their upcoming game against the Lakers.
Pick: Grizzlies (-3.5)
