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Lakers vs Grizzlies Game 1 Odds, Injuries & Same-Game Parlay

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in NBA Basketball

Updated Apr 16, 2023 · 10:40 AM PDT

LeBron James tries to block Ja Morant's shot
January 20, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) shoots ahead of Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
  • Memphis is laying 3.5 points in the Lakers vs Grizzlies odds for Game 1 of their First Round Playoff series
  • The Grizzlies are -140 to win the best-of-seven game series
  • Check out the latest Lakers vs Grizzlies Game 1 odds here, plus injury news and Same-Game Parlay picks

LeBron James essentially guaranteed the Lakers would make the playoffs prior to the All-Star break, despite the team sitting in 13th place in the West standings. King James made good on his word, but has yet to guarantee a First Round upset over the Grizzlies in the 2 vs 7 matchup.

The two squads will square off Sunday afternoon for Game 1 of their best-of-seven game set, and online sportsbooks are slightly more bullish on Memphis than James and Co in the NBA odds.

Lakers vs Grizzlies Game 1 Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
LA Lakers +3.5 (-110) +140 O 227.5 (-110)
Memphis Grizzlies -3.5 (-110) -165 U 227.5 (-110)

The Grizzlies are currently laying 3.5 points, in a contest that features a total of 227.5. Tip-off is scheduled for 3pm ET at FedExForum in Memphis, TN, with ABC providing the broadcast coverage nationwide.

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Odds as of April 15 at DraftKings Sportsbook

Lakers vs Grizzlies Betting Splits

The spread tickets are split nearly down the middle for Game 1, but there’s a big discrepancy in the ATS handle. 75% of the money is currently on Memphis as a home favorite, a role they covered in 53% of the time during the regular season.

LA was 14-17-1 against the spread as a road underdog this season, while this First Round playoff series is just the second in 16 years that a LeBron led team has started a playoff run on the road.

Lakers vs Grizzlies Injury Report

Both James and Anthony Davis are listed on the Game 1 injury report, but expect both of LA’s top stars to suit up.

The biggest injury concerns lie on the Memphis side, as their playoff run won’t include two of their top big men. Center Steven Adams (knee) is likely to be sidelined for the entire postseason, while his primary backup Brandon Clarke (Achilles) is done for the year.

Lakers vs Grizzlies Betting Trends

You’d think a pair of major losses like that would have derailed the Grizzlies down the stretch, but that wasn’t the case. Memphis had the second best record in the West post March 1, thanks to the return of Ja Morant from suspension, the impressive play of Xavier Tillman in place of Adams and Clarke, as well as Jaren Jackson Jr.’s increased offensive role.

The Grizzlies own the West’s best net rating, and grade out as the conference’s best defense. They feature three 19+ point scorers in their starting five (Morant, Desmond Bane and Jackson Jr.), while backup point guard Tyus Jones is arguably the best reserve at his position.

Both Bane and Luke Kennard shoot north of 41% from three, and Morant is an elite talent when his mind is right. Add it all up, and Memphis is a -140 favorite to win this best-of-seven game set.

Lakers vs Grizzlies Series Odds

Team Odds to Win Series
LA Lakers +120
Memphis Grizzlies -140

But don’t sleep on James and the Lakers. LA revamped its roster at the trade deadline, and since that point have posted the West’s best record and third best net rating. They enter play having won 10 of 12, including a Play-In Tournament victory over Minnesota. Their current price in the NBA Championship odds is +2100, which is shorter than both the Clippers and Kings who are seeded above them.

James and Davis can single-handedly win games on their own, but if either struggle LA now has enough depth to weather the storm. D’Angelo Russell is a legit third option, averaging 18 points and 6 assists, while Austin Reaves and Malik Beasley are competent scorers as well.

The additions of Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura have bolstered the Lakers defensive depth, and Dennis Schroder has given Morant all kinds of trouble this season when guarding him.

Lakers vs Grizzlies Same-Game Parlay

LA will likely give Memphis a run for its money in this series, and they are live to pull off the upset. That being said, expect a slow start to the series for James and Co.

James is 3-14 all-time in Game 1’s on the road, while no team had more home wins or a better net rating in their own building than Memphis.

Lakers vs Grizzlies Game 1 Same-Game Parlay

Pick Odds
Memphis Grizzlies -3.5 -110
Dillon Brooks Under 13.5 Points -125
Anthony Davis Over 11.5 Rebound -260
Same-Game Parlay Odds +425

We’ll lay the points with the Grizzlies for the first leg of our same-game parlay, and fade Dillon Brooks at the offensive end for our second leg. Brooks will be relied on heavily for his defense against the Lakers, but don’t expect much scoring from him.

He shot below 40% from the field for the first time his career this season, failing to clear 13.5 points in 27 of his final 36 games.

The final leg of our SGP will be over on 11.5 rebounds for AD. With Adams and Clarke out of the lineup, Memphis ranked 15th in rebounding, while LA is fourth in that category since the trade deadline. Davis led the league in rebounding this season, and pulled down 22 boards in his last meeting versus Memphis.

Pick: Same-Game Parlay +425


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