After dropping Game 5 in Memphis, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Grizzlies for a potential series-clinching Game 6 in LA.
The Lakers are looking to become the 12th No. 7 or No.8 seed to win a series in the first round.
Let’s get into the best odds this exciting matchup has to offer.
Best Picks: Grizzlies vs Lakers
Lakers -5.5, +105
This series has played out almost perfectly for the Lakers.
They stole a road game, and they defended home court.
Now they get their chance to close it out in LA, and that’s what they’re going to do.
The Grizzlies have been unable to shoot the ball consistently from deep this series, and have been abysmal on the road.
LA played much better basketball in Games 3 & 4, and they will carry the momentum they’ve created for themselves to a series victory.
Anthony Davis UNDER 24.5 Points, -120
AD has had a very inconsistent series.
He was the lone bright spot in a tough Game 5, but he had duds in Games 2 & 4.
The Lakers need him to step up consistently to make a deep run, but they should be able to get by in this series without it.
Lakers are going nowhere in the playoffs if Anthony Davis and Lebron James do not play like superstars. So far the role players are playing well (except Dlo and Beasley-both maddeningly inconsistent). Playoffs and title runs are led by their superstars. Lebron & AD must dominate pic.twitter.com/gZW5umcvHx
— zengreenyoda (@zengreenyoda) April 27, 2023
Based on his trends in this series, it’s hard to believe he’ll string together back-to-back solid performances.
Over 219.5, -115
The two teams have hit this specific over in 3/5 games this series, with both exceptions happening in Memphis.
LA will have the crowd and energy behind them, and the Grizzlies have found a bit of an offensive groove.
Desmond Bane has really stepped up the last two games, and Ja Morant is always a scoring threat, but the Grizzlies need someone else to play above their game to keep up in this Game 6.
The Grizzlies aren’t done yet 😤 pic.twitter.com/bPoYeLYoHz
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) April 27, 2023
Expect Austin Reaves to continue his stellar play, and D’Angelo Russell to play well for LA. And as a hot take, watch out for some meaningful Lonnie Walker minutes as well.
Parlay of the Game
Lakers ML,
Over 219.5,
Ja Morant: 30+ Points,
D’Angelo Russell: 18+ Points
+1050
Adding onto two of the Best Picks here, Ja Morant to score 30+ and Russell to score 18+ are great value bets.
Morant has 30+ in two games this series, and Russell has 18+ in one game. Russell also has exactly 17 in two games this series as well.
Morant should take this game over as the Grizzlies are in desperation mode on the road.
In series-clinching games, the winning team usually has an unexpected player step up and fill a big role.
Shooting fairly poorly all series, that guy is D’Angelo Russell.
Besides his solo 9-0 run in Game 4, he hasn’t had much of an impact on this series.
But, let’s not forget the level of basketball he is capable of. It seems everyone has forgotten what type of player he was just a short while ago, especially in the sports books.
Free Picks
In addition to the Best Picks and Parlay of the Game, here are a few more free picks ahead of tonight’s matchup.
Ja Morant to Make First FGA, +110
Ja Morant to Not Miss a Single FT, +325
Dillon Brooks OVER 1.5 Turnovers, +165
Rui Hachimura UNDER 9.5 Points, +100
Total Points: 221-230, +290
Tonight’s game is at 7:30 Pacific Time (10:30 ET) on ESPN.
