Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction: Can Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies Step Up in Game 2?
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies meet for a highly anticipated Game 2 of this series. Can Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Grizzlies step up tonight? Matt McCuen answers.
Matt McCuen - April 19, 2023, 10:49 AM EDT
5 minMemphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction: Can Jaren Jackson Jr., Grizzlies Step Up in Game 2?
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies will meet up from FedEx Forum tonight for a highly anticipated Game 2 of this series. Game 1 lived up to the hype, and the Lakers were able to do enough to pull off the road win in Game 1.
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
Los Angeles was led by a strong effort from Rui Hachimura, who scored a team-high twenty-nine points off the bench. Rui was added at the trade deadline, and prior to last night’s performance, he had struggled in a Lakers uniform. The other guy who stepped up was Austin Reaves, who hit multiple clutch shots late in the game and ended the game with twenty-three points.
The fact that the Lakers were able to win Game 1 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis combining for just forty-five points was a welcomed sight. They are hopeful that their role players can step up again tonight and help them take a 2-0 series lead heading back to LA.
Losing Game 1 is the least of the Grizzlies' worries. Ja Morant was injured in the fourth quarter, and he is a game-time decision for tonight’s game. Morant is the star of this team, and they know how difficult it would be to play this series in his absence. If Morant can not play tonight, that will force other guys like Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. to step up and lead this team to a much-needed win tonight. Memphis comes into this game as a slight one-point underdog.
I am going to trust the home team to bounce back tonight on their home floor. I like this play regardless of the status of Morant. As great as Morant is, and as much as I would love him to play for our bet, I trust that this team can win this game no matter the situation. Memphis was 10-8 in the absence of Morant this season and 20-5 last year.
The main reason that the Lakers won game one was due to the performance of Hachimura and Reaves, and I am willing to bet that they both regress in this spot tonight. Lastly, Los Angeles is a massive public dog tonight, getting over 72% of bets at the moment.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 2 Pick
Pick: Memphis Grizzlies ML (+100) Bet $100 to collect $200 DraftKings has the best odds; click here to bet
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