Twitter: @GGirlSports

The 2nd seed Memphis Grizzlies (51-31, 16-25 Away) will play the 7th seed, Los Angeles Lakers (43-39, 23-18 Home) tonight in Game 3 of the NBA Playoffs First Round. The Series is tied 1-1, and Grizzlies star Ja Morant is questionable for the game. These two teams will play tonight at 10 PM EDT, at Crypto.com Arena, located in Los Angeles, California. The matchup will air on ESPN. If you are looking for the best betting odds and stats, here is information to know:

Betting Odds, Money Line, Spread, Over/Under

*All lines are taken from Draft Kings*

Money Line:

Grizzlies: +170
Lakers: -200

Over/Under: 220

Grizzlies: -110
Lakers: -110

Spread:

Grizzlies: +5 (-110)
Lakers: -5 (-110)

Playoff Matchup

The Series is tied 1-1 between Memphis and Los Angeles.

Game 1: Lakers Defeated the Grizzlies 128-112.

Betting Odds: Memphis (-4.5) Over/Under 228.
Betting Results: Lakers Money Line, Lakers +4.5, OVER.

Game Summary:

By halftime, Memphis had the lead, and outscored the Lakers 38-27 in the 2nd quarter. Not only were the Grizzlies at home, but they had the best home record in the NBA this season. Although Ja Morant played a solid 30 minutes, he left the game in the 4th quarter due to a hand injury.

Although the Grizzlies had control through the first 2 quarters, the Lakers dominated in the 3rd and 4th quarters, thanks to Rui Hachimura. Los Angeles not only shot better from the Field, but they also shot better from the Three-Point Range. This time, they outrebounded Memphis 45-34, and did a great job of scoring off fast break points. For once, it was nice to see LeBron James get some help around him. Anthony Davis had a double-double, and both Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura had the game of their lives. Besides Hachimura scoring 29 off the bench, the Lakers didn’t get much bench help.

Both Dillion Brooks and Desmond Bane shot a combined 5-19 from the Three, and Morant had 6 turnovers himself. Jaren Jackson Jr. was a force on the offensive and defensive end, adding 31 points. Ultimately, Memphis didn’t shoot as efficiently, and got outrebounded. In addition, Memphis lost Ja Morant in the 4th quarter, a player who is not only an efficient scorer, but someone who can attack the rim and make plays.

The Series is tied 1-1 between Memphis and Los Angeles.

Game 2: Grizzlies Defeated the Lakers 103-93.

Betting Odds: Lakers (-1) Over/Under 223.
Betting Results: Grizzlies Money Line, Grizzlies +1, UNDER.

Game Summary:

A little trash talk never hurts anyone in the NBA Playoffs. The Grizzlies opened the series with yet another playoff loss and made sure that didn’t happen this game. In addition, Memphis was without star Ja Morant due to a hand injury. According to the Grizzlies, Morant had a bruised right hand, although x-rays were negative. On the betting side, the Lakers were favored entering this game, especially with Morant out.

Memphis came out aggressive, especially in the 1st quarter, in which they outscored Los Angeles 30-19. They held the Lakers to 27 Percent Three Point Shooting, and 41 Percent from the field. The Grizzlies did an excellent job of outrebounding the Lakers, especially defensively.

Although both teams shot 76.2 percent from the Free-Throw Line, it was the Grizzlies defense and early momentum that spoke for this game. Xavier Tillman had a quiet first game and ended up with a career-high 22 Points in Game 2. In addition, Tillman grabbed 13 boards for the double double. Dillon Brooks was in LeBron’s face all night, forcing him to throw passes in the paint. In addition, there was a tremendous amount of glaring and trash talking from Brooks to James.

Anthony Davis struggled down low, although he had 5 blocks. Davis went 4-14 from the Field and played 38 Minutes. However, Rui Hachimura stepped up later, and LeBron James led the way with 28 Points and 12 Rebounds. It’s important to know guard D’Angelo Russell struggled for the 2nd straight game. Russell shot 2-11 from the Field, and 1-5 from the Three. Besides Hachimura, the Lakers bench only provided 7 points, which is concerning. For the Grizzlies, all their starters had points in double-digits and had 24 points off the bench. Jaren Jackson Jr. worked Anthony Davis all game, had 5 Blocks, 9 Rebounds, and 18 Points. Both Jackson Jr. and Tillman combined for 22 Rebounds. This was a little surprising since the Grizzlies play small at times.

Season Matchup

Lakers are 2-1 vs. The Grizzlies this season.

Game 1: Grizzlies 121 -Lakers 122 (Los Angeles Home).

Betting Odds: Memphis (-7), Over/Under 244.
Betting Results: Lakers Money Line, Lakers +7, UNDER.

Game 2: Lakers 109- Grizzlies 121(Memphis Home).

Betting Odds: Memphis (-9), Over/Under 230.5.
Betting Results: Memphis Money Line, Memphis -9, UNDER.

Game 3: Grizzlies 103- Lakers 112 (Los Angeles Home).

Betting Odds: Memphis (-1.5) Over/Under 224.
Betting Results: Lakers Money Line, Lakers +1.5, UNDER.

Injury Report

Memphis Grizzlies

PG Ja Morant (Questionable): Hand Injury.
C Steven Adams (OUT): Knee.
PF Brandon Clarke (OUT): Left Achilles Tear.
F Jake LaRavia (OUT): Calf.

Los Angeles Lakers

PG Dennis Schroder (Probable): Right Achilles Soreness.
PF Anthony Davis (Probable): Right Foot Stress Injury.
SF LeBron James (Probable): Right Foot Soreness.

Key Players

Memphis Grizzlies

Jaren Jackson Jr.

Power Forward Jaren Jackson Jr.  stepped up nicely, given star Ja Morant was out for the game. He has been very much a force on both sides of the basketball.  In 2 playoff games against the Lakers, Jackson Jr. averages 24.5 Points, 2.5 Blocks, 1 Steal, and is shooting 42.9 percent from the Three, and 54.5 Percent from the Field. Jackson is listed as 6”11 and plays the 5 with Steven Adams out.

Like Game 2, Jackson will be a key matchup against Anthony Davis down low and will look to keep up his offensive numbers.  Jackson Jr. averaged 18.8 Points, 2.4 Blocks, 6.5 Rebounds, and shot 37.7 percent from the Three on the Road this season.

Desmond Bane

Desmond Bane is another series leader, and a key player for the Grizzlies. In 2 Playoff games against the Lakers, Bane is averaging 19.5 Points, 3.5 Assists, 4.5 Rebounds, and shoots 100 percent from the free-throw line. However, he’s struggled shooting from the Field and the Three-Point.

Bane shot the ball very well on the road this season. He averaged 16.1 Points, and shot 42.6 Percent from the Three, and 46.9 Percent from the field. In 2 regular season games against Los Angeles, Desmond Bane averaged only 13 a game, however, he had almost 2 steals a game. Look for Bane to lock up D’Angelo Russell, who’s been struggling, or Austin Reaves, who could be an X- Factor for the Lakers.

Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James

LeBron James had a tremendous amount of help in Game 1, however, he had to take over in the second game. Although Dillion Brooks plays strong defense on James, LeBron didn’t seem bothered by Brooks play or his comments. If anything, LeBron James has been in the league and postseason long enough to keep his head down and help his team anyway he can.

In 2 Playoff Games against Memphis, LeBron James is averaging 24.5 Points, 1.5 Steals, 2 Blocks, 4 Assists, and 11.5 Rebounds. In addition, he’s shooting 51 percent from the field. However, James continues to struggle from the Three and the Free-Throw line.

In Home Games this season, James averaged 27.7 Points, 7.2 Assists, and 8 Rebounds. He shot 49.4 Percent from the Field, and 33.7 Percent from the Three. LeBron will be a huge X factor tonight, offensively, and defensively. The Key for LeBron will be his three-point shot percentage and free-throw percentage.

Anthony Davis

Anthony Davis is a key part of the Lakers, especially when it comes to rebounds down low. Although Anthony Davis didn’t look himself, and struggled from the field in Game 2, he’s averaging 17.5 Points, 1.5 Steals, 6 Blocks, 3 Assists, and 10.5 Rebounds in 2 Playoff Games against Memphis. In addition, Davis is shooting 100 percent from the Free-Throw Line, 100 percent from the three, and 45 percent from the Field. Anthony Davis also averaged over 12 Rebounds a game, and 2.1 Blocks in Home Games this year.

I expect Anthony Davis to have a bounce back game, especially if the Grizzlies play small. He looked lifeless last game, and the Lakers need him to perform. I do expect Jaren Jackson Jr. to be a force on the boards, which will be a challenge for Davis.

Key Stats-Playoffs

•Memphis averages 107.5 Points Per Game.

•Los Angeles averages 110.5 Points Per Game.

•Memphis ranks 7th in Points Allowed with 110.5 Opponent Point Per Game.

•Los Angeles ranks 6th in Points Allowed with 107.5 Opponent Points Per Game.

•Memphis ranks 10th in Rebounds Per Game with 41.5.

•Los Angeles ranks 5th in Rebounds Per Game with 46.

•Memphis ranks 12th in Point Differential at -3.

•Los Angeles ranks 5th in Point Differential at +3.0.

•Memphis ranks 1st in Blocked Shots with 9 per game.

•Los Angeles ranks 3rd in Blocked Shots with 7 per game.

•Memphis averages 33.3 percent from the 3-point range, while Los Angeles averages 36.5 percent from the 3-point range.

Key Stats-Regular Season

•Memphis averaged 116.9 Points Per Game.

•Los Angeles averaged117.2 Points Per Game.

•Memphis ranked 11th in Points Allowed with 113 Opponent Points Per Game.

•Los Angeles ranked 20th in Points Allowed with 116.6 Opponent Points Per Game.

•Memphis ranked 21st in Rebounds Per Game with 44.4.

•Los Angeles ranked 25th in Rebounds Per Game with 44.9.

•Memphis ranked 4th in Point Differential at + 3.9.

•Los Angeles ranked 16th in Point Differential at +0.5.

•Memphis ranked 3rd in Blocked Shots with 5.8 Per Game.

•Los Angeles ranked 16th in Blocked Shots with 4.6 Per Game.

•Memphis averaged 35.1 percent from the 3-point range, while Los Angeles averaged 34.6 from the 3-point range.

LAST 10 GAMES + GAME PREDICTION

SPREAD: Lakers -5

-Los Angeles covered the spread in 5 of their last 10 games.

-Memphis covered the spread in 3 of their last 10 games.

-Los Angeles has a 41-43-1 record ATS this season.

-Memphis has a 38-44-2 record ATS this season.

-Los Angeles 21-21-0 in HOME games ATS this season.

-Memphis is 14-26-1 in AWAY games ATS this season.

Memphis only covered the spread in 3 of their last 10 games.  Lakers had a down game, and their Home Record Against the Spread is 21-21-0.  I expect Davis, LeBron, and the supporting cast to figure out way around Grizzlies defense tonight.  Give me Lakers -5.

MONEY LINE: Lakers Money Line

-Los Angeles won the Money Line 8 out of their last 10 games

-Memphis won the Money Line 5 of their last 10 games.

We are all waiting to see if Grizzlies start Ja Morant will be out for tonight's game.  According to WOJ, Morant will try to practice before tonight's game. I think Anthony Davis comes alive, and the Lakers get a must win here at home.  Look for LeBron James to get some help from role players again. Give me Lakers Money line. 

OVER/UNDER- UNDER

-Los Angeles Avg +/- vs O/U Line: +1.1

-Memphis Avg +/- vs O/U Line: -1.09

-Los Angeles Overall O/U Record: 45-40-0

-Memphis Overall O/U Record: 38-44-2

-Los Angeles hit the OVER 8 times in their last 10 games.

-Memphis hit the OVER 5 times in their last 10 games.

The Under hit in BOTH of the first 2 NBA playoff games between the Grizzlies and the Lakers.  If Ja Morant is out, I like the under even more. I expect both teams to apply pressure and defense, much like Game 2. 

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Sara Jane is a full-time content creator, focusing on both college basketball, the NBA, NFL, and writer of Ballislife.com. Don’t forget to follow her on Twitter/Twitch/YouTube/Instagram/Instagram/Facebook/ Kick:  @GGirlSports