Line: Lakers -2.5, Total: 191.5
Last Meeting: The Grizzlies defeated the Lakers 106-93 in Memphis on 1/23/13
Matchup
With only seven games left in their season, the Los Angeles Lakers can see the postseason in sight. But they will need to win games down the stretch, including Friday’s matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies at 10:30 ET in Los Angeles. With a half-game lead over the Utah Jazz for the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs, the Lakers must continue securing victories to keep their season alive. Their journey will be difficult, especially on Friday against a Memphis team currently riding a four-game winning streak. The Grizzlies have been dominant all season and will look to take a wave of momentum with them into the playoffs.
The Grizzlies have secured their spot in the postseason and are seeded 5th in the Western Conference. Because the other Los Angeles basketball team won their division, the only way for Memphis to improve their playoff standing is by finishing with more wins than Denver, which will grant them the 3 seed. The Lakers have a half-game lead over the Jazz for the 8th seed and trail the 7th seeded Houston rockets by 3 games.
The Lakers are 39-36 straight up and 31-44 against the spread on the season. At home, Los Angeles is 24-12 SU and 17-19 ATS. Against the total, the Lakers are 40-34 Over and are averaging 102.3 PPG.
Memphis has a record of 51-24 SU and 42-32 ATS. While playing on the road, the Grizzlies are 21-16 SU and 22-15 ATS. Against the total, Memphis is 42-32 Under on the year and are putting up 93.8 PPG.
Injuries
Lakers point guard Steve Nash is listed as doubtful for Friday’s game with a hamstring injury. Nash missed the Lakers previous game on Tuesday and is not likely to play against Memphis. Los Angeles will miss Nash and his 12.7 PPG and 6.7 APG if the two-time MVP is unable to suit up.
What to watch for
One major difference between these teams is how many points they allow per game. While the Grizzlies lead the league in points allowed with 89.8 PPG, the Lakers rank 24thand average 101.3 PPG to opponents. Pay attention to Memphis’ incredible defense, which will be on display in LA on Friday.
Kobe Bryant has played well beyond his years recently, notching a triple-double and scoring over 30 points three different times over the Lakers past five games. Watch for the Black Mamba to take over this game on Friday and light up the Grizzlies for 30.
If Steve Nash is out of service, look for Grizzlies point guard Michael Conley to be seen throughout this one. Conley has improved his game this season, scoring more than he ever has in his career. Keep an eye on Conley and his 14.5 PPG and 6.2 APG to torch Lakers backup Steve Blake in Nash’s absence.
The pick
Although I think the Lakers will sneak their way into the postseason, I believe the outcome of this game will favor the Grizzlies. Los Angeles has been playing significantly better basketball in the second half of their season, but that won’t stop Memphis from sweeping their season series with the Lake Show. The Grizzlies big men will be too much for the Lakers to handle, adding another defeat to the Lakers loss column and another thousand discussions of whether Kobe, Dwight, Steve and Pau will be playing ball after the regular season has commenced on April 17th. I like the Grizzlies to handle the aging Lakers on the road, 104-96.
Source: ESPN
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