Lakers vs. Grizzlies Predictions & Picks for Game 1: 2023 NBA Playoffs

Despite a successful regular season finishing with a 51-31 record, the Grizzlies enter the 2023 NBA playoffs as the two seed in the Western Conference. However, their reward is a challenging matchup against LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers. Following their roster revamp at the trade deadline, Los Angeles has transformed into a new team. The Lakers went 16-7 after the All-Star break and secured the seven spot in the West standings, eventually making it to the playoffs by defeating Minnesota in the Play-In Tournament.

The Lakers and Grizzlies will now face off in what promises to be an exciting series, but which team will advance to the conference semifinals? Let's take a closer look at this first-round matchup and our Lakers vs. Grizzlies predictions with odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.

LOS ANGELES LAKERS VS. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES PREDICTIONS: Grizzlies -3.5 (-110 at DraftKings Sportsbook)

Use this link to secure your DraftKings Sportsbook sign-up bonus which could land you $150 in bet credits.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Predictions for Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on Sunday, 4/16

Before we make our Lakers vs. Grizzlies predictions, let’s take a look at how these teams got here. Los Angeles emerged as the best team in the West after the All-Star break, but they must elevate their game after a lackluster Play-In performance against the Timberwolves. The Lakers rely on superstar duo LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who must step up to upset the Grizzlies.

While Memphis had a strong regular season, off-court issues surrounded the team, including a leave of absence for star player Ja Morant. The young and confident Grizzlies have made some enemies, particularly shooting guard Dillon Brooks, who is expected to ruffle feathers in this series. Despite being the No. 2 seed, Memphis is only a -140 favorite to win the series.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Picks & Best Bet

According to the current betting odds at DraftKings Sportsbook, the Memphis Grizzlies are favored to win game 1 of the NBA Western Conference playoffs' first round by 3.5 points. The Grizzlies are the second seed in the conference, and they finished the regular season with a 51-31 record overall, including an impressive 35-6 record at home. They have had a week of rest and most of their starters are healthy and ready to play, which makes them well-prepared for this game.

On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers are the seventh seed and had a mediocre regular season, with a 43-39 overall record and a losing record of 20-21 on the road. They had to earn their spot in the playoffs through the Play-In Tournament, where they faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the Timberwolves facing off-court issues, the Lakers still needed overtime to beat them in their home game.

While the Lakers will benefit from the rest they have had before this game, the Grizzlies' strong performances at home and extra rest make them the better bet to cover the spread in this matchup. If the Grizzlies can continue their impressive form at home, they are likely to win this game by a comfortable margin. Our Lakers vs. Grizzlies predictions side with the Grizzlies taking game 1 and covering the 3.5-point spread.

How to bet on the Grizzlies at DraftKings and win an Extra $150 Bonus if Your Team Wins

To follow our Lakers vs. Grizzlies predictions and bet on the Grizzlies at DraftKings and win an extra $150 bonus if your team wins, you can follow these steps:

1. Click here to create a new DraftKings account
2. No promo code is required
3. Make an initial $5+ deposit
4. Place a $5+ wager using help from our Lakers vs. Grizzlies predictions

With this DraftKings promo code offer, a successful pre-game money line wager is required to credit you your bonus bets worth $150. Since we like Memphis to cover the spread, it only makes sense to place a wager on their money line. If they win, not only will you be credited your winnings, but also $150 in bonus bets. There’s no promo code needed to secure this offer as long as you sign up here.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies 2023 NBA Playoffs Schedule & Odds Available at DraftKings Sportsbook

For help following our Lakers vs. Grizzlies predictions, check out the odds via DraftKings and schedule below:

Game 1 Spread:

Lakers +3.5 (-110)

Grizzlies -3.5 (-110)

To Win Series:

Lakers: +120

Grizzlies: -140

Series Total Games:

4 Games: +650

5 Games: +320

6 Games: +190

7 Games: +175

Schedule:

Game 1: Sunday, April 16, Lakers vs. Grizzlies

Game 2: Wednesday, April 19, Lakers vs. Grizzlies

Game 3: Saturday, April 22, Grizzlies vs. Lakers

Game 4: Monday, April 24, Grizzlies vs. Lakers

If necessary:

Game 5: Wednesday, April 26, Lakers vs. Grizzlies

Game 6: Friday, April 28, Grizzlies vs. Lakers

Game 7: Sunday, April 30, Lakers vs. Grizzlies

If you or a loved one has questions or needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit 1800gambler.net for more information.