On Saturday, 3/29, the Memphis Grizzlies (44-29) will host the Los Angeles Lakers (44-29) in a Western Conference Regular-Season match-up. The Grizzlies are at the fourth position, while the Lakers are fifth in a close battle in the West. Who will emerge on top in the battle between teams with the same record? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Grizzlies: Mild in March
The Memphis Grizzlies will come into this game after a disappointing 21-point loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder despite a 27-point performance by Jaren Jackson Jr. It was their fifth loss in seven games, and they are 6-9 in their last 15 games. Morant has played in just seven of those games, in a window where the team lodged a four-game winning streak. Thus, his absence has caused major fluctuations.
The team missed a golden chance of seizing the second seed in the conference, where teams not named Thunder and Rockets have been unable to put together strong winning runs this month. The Grizzlies have been terrible on the defensive end, conceding 118.4 points per game(10th worst) in March while scoring 118.1(9th). The scoring average is down from the season average of 122.1(2nd), underlining Morant’s importance to the offense and the team’s dependence on shootout scenarios.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Ja Mlorant | SG: Desmond Bane | SF: Jaylen Wells | PF: Santi Aldamas | PF/C: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Key Injuries/Updates: The status of Ja Morant is UNCLEAR. Brandon Clarke is OUT for the season.
Lakers: Peaks and valleys within a day
The Los Angeles Lakers come into this game after a shocking 2-point loss against the Chicago Bulls, despite a 30-point eruption by Austin Reaves. The Bulls scored nine points in ten seconds as 40-year-old LeBron James had multiple brain-fade moments. Ironically, LBJ had risen the roof through a putback game-winner just a night ago, summing up the Lakers’ season well. The team has now lost three of their last four games and eight of their last 12 games.
The Lakers had tailored a 20-4 run before their lean period but have lost their way completely since then. Their offense has been a tad underwhelming as the team has scored 113.1 PPG in March(10th worst) while the defense has done a decent job, giving up 112.1 PPG(11th). Overall, the play of LeBron James has been concerning as his age may be showing now, but bet against the King at your peril.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Luka Doncic | SG: Austin Reaves | SF: LeBron James | PF: Dorian Finney-Smith | C: Jaxson Hayes
Key Injuries/Updates: The status of Rui Hachimura is UNCLEAR. Maxi Kleber is likely to be OUT here.
The Grizzlies are inconsistent on the offensive end without Ja Morant. If he plays here, which can be a big possibility, they will fancy their chances of scoring over 115. The Lakers offense has improved since Doncic’s return and they are regularly hovering over the 115-mark. However, their defense, which was restricting teams around 105 or so, has loosened a bit. Overall, I believe the scoring can be over 235 here in what can be a shoot-out scenario.
Desmond Bane to score over 22.5 points: The Grizzlies guard had a tough 1/12 shooting night against the Thunder. I expect him to bounce back and score in the 23-26 range.
Scotty Pippen Jr. to notch over 2.5 steals: The Grizzlies’ hustling guard has tallied 2 steals per game in March and usually shows up big during the Lakers. I believe he will be in the 3-5 steals range.
Luka Doncic to score over 31.5 points: The Lakers PG has accumulated 30.5 PPG in March but scored 25 points(8/22) in the last game. Expect him to bounce back for a huge night here.
Dorian Finney-Smith to nail over 2.5 triples: The Lakers forward has converted 2.1 triples per game this month, his best performance this season thus far. I believe he will find his stroke for 3 or 4 three-pointers here.
This could be a riveting battle between two teams that have not played their best ball lately. Memphis will be keen to welcome Morant back into the mix, and there is a high chance he returns(Lakers, duh!). Anyway, I expect a close battle that will be decided in the final few minutes, just like the Lakers’ previous two games. Overall, I believe Luka Doncic will take over and seal the deal for his squad.
Safe Spread Pick: Lakers -2.5 for +150 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Petre Thomas- Imagn Images
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