Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Pick: Can Desmond Bane, Grizzlies Bounce Back in Game 2?
The Memphis Grizzlies will host the Los Angeles Lakers for the second game of their series tonight. Can Desmond Bane and the Grizzlies bounce back? Ben Rajavuori answers.
Ben Rajavuori - April 19, 2023, 4:45 PM EDT
5 minMemphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Pick: Can Desmond Bane, Grizzlies Bounce Back in Game 2?
The Memphis Grizzlies will host the Los Angeles Lakers for the second game of their series tonight. The Lakers took the first game from the Grizzlies as star player Ja Morant left late with a hand injury. The second game is a new opportunity for Memphis to level the series, but they will face a significant challenge, as Ja Morant is questionable for Game 2, and it doesn't look like he will play. In Game 1, I looked specifically at the first-half line for the Grizzlies, and it cashed as they went into the locker room up six before collapsing in the second half and ultimately losing by 16. It's time to go back to the well in Game 2.
Grizzlies vs. Lakers Game 2 Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023
- Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
- Where to Watch: TNT
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 2 Prediction
The Lakers dominated in their win, with Anthony Davis leading the way on both ends of the floor. Davis' defensive impact was felt as the Grizzlies shot just 5-of-21 with him as the defender at the rim. Offensively, the Lakers couldn't be stopped, surprisingly led by recently-acquired Rui Hachimura.
Hachimura was acquired from the Wizards midseason and is a role player for the Lakers, but he went off for a team-high 29 points in game one, his best game since joining the Lakers. He shot 11-14 from the field and was dominant, but I don't expect that to carry over into game two.
Without Morant, the Grizzlies will have to adjust their game plan. The Grizzlies will need to rely on their other players to step up and fill the void left by Morant's potential absence. One of those players is Tyus Jones, who is the backup point guard. Jones is one of the most underrated bench players in the league and can make a significant impact in this game.
Jones is very smart with the ball, leading the league in assist-to-turnover ratio the past three years. He rarely ever turns in over, and he is an excellent passer. To counter the Lakers' size and presence of Davis down low, I think the Grizzlies will play small ball and shoot more from outside in this game, especially since Morant led the team in drives to the basket and will either not play or will not be 100%.
Despite the injury challenges, the Grizzlies could and should have an advantage in the first half of the game. The Lakers have not done a great job of limiting their opponent's three-point attempts this season, and the Grizzlies could take advantage of this with good outside shooting from Desmond Bane, Dillon Brooks, and Tyus Jones.
Initially, when Morant went out last game, I thought the Grizzlies were screwed for the series, but Jones is an excellent backup and can take over. Although he is not as good of a pure scorer, he is excellent at leading the offense and creating open looks while limiting turnovers.
The Lakers have been bad in the first half this season and come alive in the second half, just like in game one, and the Grizzlies have been the opposite. The Grizzlies are 34-8 on the first half ML at home this season, the highest win rate in the league, even above the Celtics. I expect that strong first-half play at home to show up again tonight as the Grizzlies fight to even the series.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 2 Pick
Pick: Grizzlies First Half -0.5 (-105) Bet $100 to collect $195 Bet365 has the best odds; click here to bet
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