Grizzlies vs. Lakers Predictions, Odds, Props: Can LA Eliminate Memphis At Home in Game 6?

The Grizzlies finally looked like the team that finished in second place in the West in Game 5 on Wednesday night. Down 3-1 in the series, with their backs against the wall in front of their raucous home crowd, they forced Game 6 thanks to a dominant stretch late in the third quarter.

Memphis is now 2-1 in the playoffs at FedEx Forum, where they won a league-best 35 games during the regular season.

Let’s examine whether they can force a Game 7 the Lakers would love to avoid in our breakdown of the Grizzlies-Lakers odds and props, as well as a prediction for Friday night’s potentially decisive Game 6.

Grizzlies vs. Lakers Game 6 Odds

With a chance to finish the series on their home court, the Lakers are 4-point favorites in Game 6. Vegas expects LA to win a close one after the Grizzlies avoided elimination in Game 5 as Ja Morant and Desmond Bane exploded for 64 points combined.

Grizzlies vs. Lakers Series Price

The Lakers remain the heavy favorites to advance to the second round in the West, where the winner of this series will meet either the Warriors or the Kings. Game 6 of that match-up is also scheduled for Friday night.

Oddsmakers price LA at between -425 and -430 to advance, while Memphis’ series odds are +325 to +340.

Grizzlies vs. Lakers Betting News

Lakers

Fatigue appeared to be a factor on Wednesday night for LeBron James, who had his least productive game of the series. With just 15 points on 5-for-17 shooting (1-for-9 from 3-point land), James at times looked like a 38-year-old playing his third game in five days, two days after he was on the court for 45 minutes in his team’s overtime win in Game 4.

James’ track record in elimination and closeout games says he’ll be much more assertive — and effective — in Game 6. What’s unclear is whether he will suddenly find his touch from outside. For the series, James is shooting less than 17% from 3, and he was 1-for-9 from deep on Wednesday.

The Lakers have a huge advantage in playoff experience on the young Grizzlies, but Morant and Co. have the fresher legs. LA needs James and Anthony Davis (coming off a 31-point, 19-rebound effort in Game 5) to be the best players on the court, and they have to find a way to keep Memphis at bay when either or both players are off the court.

Grizzlies

Morant’s hand injury in Game 1 felt like ancient history. He posted 31 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists as his team pulled away down the stretch in Game 5. Morant’s aggressive approach — especially in transition — paid off, as Memphis collectively got quality looks that resulted in them shooting 44 percent from the floor.

Memphis got a quality performance from Luke Kennard, and if healthy, he could provide much-needed shooting (and spacing) in place of Dillon Brooks, who shot 3-for-15 (2-for-10 on 3s) in Game 5. Kennard scored only six points on Wednesday night, but Memphis was +26 in his 18 minutes of action.

His health is a concern, though, as he left the game in the second half with a shoulder injury. His status for Game 6 was questionable as of Wednesday night.

Grizzlies vs. Lakers Betting Trends

Lakers

• The Lakers are 43-44-1 against the spread (ATS) this season
• The Lakers are 17-17 ATS as the favorite, 26-27-1 ATS as the underdog
• The Lakers are 23-21 ATS at home, 20-23-1 ATS on the road
• The Lakers are 3-1 ATS with at least four days off
• The Lakers are 4-5 ATS in their last 10 games
• The total has gone 46-42 on the Over in Lakers games

Grizzlies

• The Grizzlies are 39-46-2 ATS this season
• The Grizzlies are 33-32-2 ATS as the favorite, 6-14 ATS as the underdog
• The Grizzlies are 25-18-1 ATS at home, 14-28-1 ATS on the road
• The Grizzlies are 0-3 ATS with at least four days off
• The Grizzlies are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games
• The total has gone 39-46-2 on the Over in Grizzlies games

Read more: NBA Finals odds | NBA MVP odds | NBA odds

Grizzlies vs. Lakers Series Props

Whether you want to bet on a single game, an entire series, or back a team in the futures market to raise the Larry O’Brien, sportsbooks offer whatever you’re looking for. NBA fans can wager on props for Game 6 and/or the series. Here are a few notable Lakers-Grizzlies prop bets, along with the best price from the top US sports betting apps.

Correct Series Score

• Lakers win series, 4-2: -190 (DraftKings)
• Grizzlies win series, 4-3: +330 (DraftKings)
• Lakers win series, 4-3: +500 (FanDuel)

Grizzlies vs. Lakers Series & Game 6 Prediction

Kennard’s health, which (if either) team will shoot well from outside, and how many minutes Dillon Brooks gets are among the non-LeBron/Morant questions ahead of Friday’s match-up.

But this game ultimately comes down to James and Davis against a younger, more athletic Grizzlies team. LeBron feels due for a dominant effort, especially after he had a limited impact – at least by his standards – in Game 5. But he’ll need Anthony Davis to continue to impose his will in the paint, on both ends of the court.

While the stars are going to be largely responsible for which team comes away the win, a big night from one of either team’s role players — whether that’s Austin Reaves or Rui Hachimura for LA, or Kennard, Xavier Tillman, or someone else for Memphis — could tip the scales.

I’ve not seen quite enough from Memphis to pick them on the road at James’ expense, but the Lakers will need a monster effort to avoid a Game 7 in Memphis.

Game 6 Pick: Lakers -4 (-110 via PointsBet)

How to Watch Grizzlies vs. Lakers Game 6

• Game Day: Friday, Apr. 28, 2023
• Game Time: 10:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Crypto.com Arena | Los Angeles, Calif.
• Channel: ESPN