Lakers vs Grizzlies Game 6 Prediction NBA Playoffs 4/28

© Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Game Preview: Grizzlies vs Lakers(Apr28,2023)

The Memphis Grizzlies will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers in a highly anticipated matchup on April 28, 2023. Both teams have had successful seasons, with the Grizzlies boasting a 51-31 record and the Lakers at 43-39. This game will prove to be crucial for both teams, as the Lakers currently hold a 3-2 lead in the first round of the playoffs. The Grizzlies will need to win this game to keep their playoff hopes alive and force a game 7. The Grizzlies will rely heavily on their explosive offense led by point guard Ja Morant, who is averaging 26.2 points per game this season. They will also need strong contributions from Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr. on both ends of the court. The Lakers, on the other hand, will look to superstar LeBron James to lead the charge. He has vowed to be better in game 6 and will need to showcase his incredible talents to secure a victory for his team. Anthony Davis and Dennis Schroder will also need to step up their game to ensure a win. This promises to be an exciting and intense matchup, with both teams giving it their all to come out on top. With a passionate crowd at the crypto.com Arena, fans can expect a thrilling and unforgettable game.

Grizzlies: Offensive Analysis

The Grizzlies have been a force to be reckoned with on the offensive end this season, ranking 9th in the league with an average of 116.4 points per game. Led by standout point guard Ja Morant, who averages 26.2 points per game, the team has been able to score in a variety of ways. Their success has been heavily dependent on their ability to score in the paint, with the team averaging a league-leading 58.0 points in the paint per game. They have also been effective in transition, averaging 17.8 fastbreak points per game, which ranks 2nd in the league. However, the Grizzlies have struggled with their shooting efficiency, ranking 22nd in the league with an effective field goal percentage of 53.7%. They have also struggled with their free throw shooting, ranking last in the league with a free throw percentage of 73.8%. If the Grizzlies want to come out on top against the Lakers, they will need to focus on improving their shooting and free throw shooting. 

Grizzlies: Defensive Analysis

Going into their Game 6 matchup against the Lakers, the Memphis Grizzlies will need to rely heavily on their defensive capabilities if they hope to stave off elimination and force a Game 7. The Grizzlies have had a strong defensive showing throughout the regular season, ranking 12th in opponent points per game with 112.8. They also rank 4th in average score margin at +3.7 and 4th in opponent average score margin at -3.7. These numbers demonstrate the Grizzlies’ ability to keep games close and prevent their opponents from pulling away. One area where the Grizzlies excel defensively is in their ability to limit fastbreak points. Memphis ranks second in fastbreak points allowed per game with 14.0, a testament to their defensive discipline and ability to get back in transition. Another area where the Grizzlies shine defensively is in their ability to defend the paint. They rank first in opponent points in the paint per game with 47.7, indicating their strong interior defense and ability to protect the rim. Overall, the Grizzlies’ defensive prowess will be crucial in shutting down the Lakers’ offense and forcing turnovers. If they can continue to limit their opponents’ scoring opportunities and maintain their staunch defensive presence, the Grizzlies have a strong chance of extending their series and potentially coming out on top in Game 7.

Lakers: Offense Analysis

The Lakers offense has been inconsistent throughout the season and in their series against the Grizzlies. They have been heavily reliant on LeBron James to lead the charge, but he has struggled with his shooting and turnovers in some key games. Despite this, the Lakers offense has still managed to put up an average of 112.8 points per game, ranking them 12th in the league. They have a strong average score margin of +3.7 and have been effective on the fast break, ranking 2nd in the league in fast break points per game. Their strength has been scoring in the paint, where they rank 1st in the league, with an average of 58 points per game. They have also been solid in getting assists, putting up an average of 25.9 assists per game. On the downside, the Lakers have struggled with their shooting efficiency, sitting at just 47.2% shooting, which is 19th in the league. They have also struggled with free-throw shooting, ranking 30th in the league with a 73.8% free throw percentage. If the Lakers want to win this game, they will need James and their other offensive weapons to step up and improve their efficiency. They will also need to limit turnovers and improve their free throw shooting, while continuing to play to their strengths in scoring in the paint and pushing the tempo on the fast break.

Lakers: Defensive Analysis

In the upcoming game between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Los Angeles Lakers on April 28th, 2023, defense will be a key factor in determining the winner. Let's take a closer look at the Lakers' defensive performance this season and how it may impact the game. The Lakers have had a mixed defensive record this season, with an average of 112.8 points allowed per game, ranking them 12th in the league. They have struggled at times to keep up with fast-break points, conceding an average of 14 points per game, which ranks them 17th in the league. However, they excel in defending the paint, allowing an average of 47.7 points per game, which ranks them 7th in the league. In terms of assists allowed per game, the Lakers average 26.2, ranking them 26th in the league, which indicates their struggles in defending against assists. However, they have been strong in rebounding, averaging 53.6 rebounds per game, ranking them 26th in the league. The Lakers' defensive strategy will need to focus on limiting the Grizzlies' fast breaks and assists. They will also need to focus on maintaining their strong defensive performance in the paint and improving their defensive performance against assists. Overall, defense will play a crucial role in this game between the Grizzlies and the Lakers, and the Lakers will need to step up their defensive game to come out on top.

Injury Report

Memphis Grizzlies: - Jake LaRavia (F) - doubtful for Apr 25 game - Luke Kennard (SG) - doubtful for Apr 26 game Los Angeles Lakers: - No injured players Injuries can have a significant impact on the outcome of a game. In this matchup, the Grizzlies have two key players who may be out due to injury, which could make it more challenging for them to compete against the Lakers. On the other hand, the Lakers are fortunate enough to have a healthy roster heading into this game. It remains to be seen how these injuries (or lack thereof) will affect the teams' performances, but it is certainly something to keep in mind when making predictions.

Betting Trends

Looking at the trends, the Lakers have been dominant at home all season, posting a 23-18 record. However, they have struggled against the spread, going 43-44-1 ATS. On the other hand, the Grizzlies have a solid road record of 16-25, but have a better ATS record of 39-46-2. The spread consensus currently has the Lakers as 4.5-point favorites, but with the Grizzlies covering the spread more often, it might be worth considering taking the points for the underdogs. As for the over/under, the line is set at 219.5. Both teams have been known to put up high-scoring games, with the Grizzlies averaging 116.4 points per game and the Lakers averaging 113.3. However, the under has hit in three of the five previous matchups between these two teams this season. In terms of betting picks and predictions, it might be wise to consider taking the Grizzlies to cover the spread and possibly even pull off the upset. As for the over/under, it could go either way, but considering the history between these two teams, the under might be the safer option.

Prediction