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Prior to the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers were in danger of missing the playoffs. With injuries to Anthony Davis and LeBron James, and a roster not built for the playoffs, many felt that the Lakers were in for a long season. General Manager Rob Pelinka made some great moves at the deadline, and now the Lakers are one of the favorites to win the Western Conference, even though they are the #7 seed.

The Lakers got off to a great start on their quest to win the West, as they went to Memphis and beat the Grizzlies by a score of 128-112 to take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven series. With the status of Ja Morant in question for Wednesday night’s Game 2, the Lakers could leave Memphis with a 2-0 lead. With James and Davis both playing well, the Lakers need to capitalize on any advantage that they can get.

We will now preview both teams, and then give you our best NBA betting advice for Game 2.

Can the Grizzlies Rebound from a Game 1 Loss? | 2023 Western Conference Playoffs Round I Game 2

Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies Game Info

When: Wednesday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. (ET)
Where: FedExForum
TV: TNT

Los Angeles Lakers

While James and Davis both played well in Game 1, it was the play of some key role players that sparked the Lakers victory. Trade deadline acquisition Rui Hachimura scored 29 points off the bench to lead Los Angeles. Austin Reaves scored 23, and De’Angelo Russell chipped in with 19.

The Lakers will need to keep getting solid production from the other starters rather than just depend on Davis and James. If the role players can continue to play well, it will be very hard for the Grizzlies to stop the Lakers. We doubt that Hachimura will score 29 again, but even if he contributes 10-15, it will be a huge boost for the Lakers.

Bet Lakers to Win Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Memphis Grizzlies

As we stated above, we’re unsure of Memphis star Ja Morant’s availability for Game 2 on Wednesday night in Memphis. Morant landed hard after committing an offensive foul, and when he landed, he hurt his right hand. He was taken out of the game and never re-entered.

Even though x-rays were negative, Morant has stated that moving the hand is very painful. We’ll see if the pain subsides by Wednesday, but right now, it’s doubtful that he’ll suit up. If Morant is unable to play, Tyus Jones will more than likely get the start. With Morant missing lots of games due to injury, the Grizzlies have gone 32-12 over the past two seasons when Jones has started.

Bet Grizzlies to Win Today
MyBookie Betting Lines for the Game

Betting Predictions

As of the time of this writing, the oddsmakers have made the Los Angeles Lakers a 1.5-point favorite in this one. Once the status of Morant is announced, this line could change. If Morant doesn’t play, we look for the line to go to the Lakers favored by at least four points.

Jaren Jackson Jr., who was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year on Monday, will look to have another huge night regardless of whether or not Morant plays. The Grizzlies aren’t very deep, and with all of the injury issues, they’re going to need more than the 24 points that the bench scored in Game 1.

We like the Lakers to take a 2-0 lead back home after this one.