Fueled by big performances from Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, the Memphis Grizzlies outlasted the Los Angeles Lakers, 116-99, to stay alive in their Western Conference first-round series.
Bane paced the Grizzlies with 33 points, Morant scored 31, and each pulled down 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis finished with 31 points and 19 boards to lead the Lakers.
With Game 6 on tap for Friday at 10:30 p.m. ET in Los Angeles, let’s dive into our Grizzlies vs Lakers predictions and best bets.
Grizzlies vs Lakers Game 6 Odds
NBA odds used for these best bets are current as of Thursday, April 27, at noon ET and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Lakers (-190) • Grizzlies (+160)
- Spread: Lakers -4.5 (-110) • Grizzlies +4.5 (-110)
- Total Points: Over 220 (-110) • Under 220 (-110)
Grizzlies vs Lakers Game 6 Prediction
Grizzlies 110, Lakers 108
Two nights after playing 45 minutes and posting the first 20-20 effort of his legendary career, LeBron James looked merely mortal. He shot 5-of-17 from the floor and 1-of-9 from three-point range, finishing with just 15 points as Memphis pulled away late to force Game 6.
Was this a case of the 38-year-old James running out of gas during a long, grueling series? Or was this the Grizzlies asserting their will with their backs against the wall?
- Tap into our Grizzlies vs Lakers Prop Bets ahead of Game 6.
Perhaps it was a combination of the two?
Regardless, Memphis wasn’t going to go down quietly, and that’ll remain the case Friday.
Grizzlies vs Lakers Game 6 Best Bet
Grizzlies +4.5 (-110) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
It’s risky to bet against James, especially in a potential close-out game at home. Then again, Game 5 offered a reminder of what’s possible when the Grizzlies are healthy and operating with precision.
Even though James should be better in Game 6, Los Angeles may struggle to contain Memphis if Morant and Bane both go off again, making this my NBA bet of the day.
Grizzlies vs Lakers Game 5
- Prediction: Grizzlies 110, Lakers 106
- Result: Grizzlies 116, Lakers 99
Grizzlies vs Lakers Game 4
- Prediction: Lakers 105, Grizzlies 102
- Result: Lakers 117, Grizzlies 111
Grizzlies vs Lakers Game 3
- Prediction: Lakers 113, Grizzlies 109
- Result: Lakers 111, Grizzlies 101
Grizzlies vs Lakers Game 2
- Prediction: Lakers 116, Grizzlies 112
- Result: Grizzlies 103, Lakers 93
Grizzlies vs Lakers Game 1
- Prediction: Lakers 117, Grizzlies 113
- Result: Lakers 128, Grizzlies 112
Grizzlies vs Lakers Series Preview
Rarely does a No. 2 vs. No. 7 series offer much suspense, but this Western Conference first-round matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers promises to be the exception.
The Grizzlies (51-31) looked like one of the NBA’s best teams for much of the season, while the Lakers (43-39) found their stride in the second half following a series of timely trades.
Let’s dive into my favorite Grizzlies vs Lakers series best bets ahead of Sunday’s Game 1.
Grizzlies vs Lakers Series Odds
To Win Series: Grizzlies (-125) • Lakers (+105)
NBA odds used for these best bets are current as of Wednesday, April 12, at 8:30 a.m. ET, and were found at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Los Angeles isn’t your typical No. 7 seed. The Lakers remade their roster at the February trade deadline, building the supporting cast around superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and saw immediate returns.
They went 16-7 after the All-Star break to climb up the Western Conference standings, then rallied to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 108-102 in overtime in Tuesday’s play-in tournament game.
Because of that, the Lakers will be a trendy upset pick. After all, Memphis is only a slight favorite at -125 to take the series. The presence of James and Davis, even at this advanced stage in their careers, will be enough to lure bettors.
Grizzlies vs Lakers Prediction
Grizzlies Win 4-3
It is hard to bet against James. That said, it’s Memphis’ series to lose. The Grizzlies’ young core has been knocking on the door the last two years, and they seem poised to break through and make a deep postseason run.
Grizzlies vs Lakers Series Best Bets
Grizzlies to Win Series (-125) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
James and Davis make up one of the NBA’s elite duos when healthy, and the deadline acquisitions of D’Angelo Russell and Rui Hachimura — in addition to the emergence of Austin Reaves — have eased some of the burden on them.
With Memphis big men Steven Adams (knee) and Brandon Clarke (Achilles) both sidelined, the Grizzlies will need Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman to play big and dominate around the rim.
If they can do that, Memphis should have enough firepower to wear down the veteran Lakers over a long series, especially with homecourt on its side.
I’m trusting the more explosive Grizz with this NBA bet of the day.
Series Exact Games: 7 (+175) • DraftKings Sportsbook
WAGER: 1 Unit
It’s no wonder the overall odds are so close. This series seems destined to go at least six, if not seven games, barring a key injury or sudden reversal of fortune.
Memphis has the star power and depth, especially with Ja Morant back from suspension, to challenge the best in the West. Still, getting Los Angeles in the first round is no prize.
