Lakers News: Odds And Lines For Game 1 Of LA's First Round Matchup With Memphis
Today, your 43-39 Los Angeles, the West's seventh seed, kick off their first round playoff series against the conference's second seed, the 51-31 Memphis Grizzlies, at FedEx Forum.
LA most likely needs to steal at least one game in this current two-game Memphis home stand. Can the club do it, following a poor showing (albeit in a play-in win) against the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this week?
Let's take a look at some odds and lines, via The Action Network, ahead of the action, which kicks off today at 12 p.m. PT on ABC.
The Game Spread
The Lakers are considered to be four-point underdogs today. Despite Memphis missing two huge frontcourt pieces in starting center Steven Adams and reserve big man Brandon Clarke, the Grizzlies will be on native turf, and looking to make a statement against a Los Angeles team that might be a whole lot better than its cumulative record suggests, given that it had to play Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley major minutes earlier this season and lacked a lot of the defense and floor spacing it has now. I don't think Los Angeles can get it done today, and I assume Memphis will cover the spread, but the Lakers will learn from a loss and return to pull off a W on Wednesday.
LeBron James' Total Combined Points, Assists + Rebounds
The All-Star Lakers small forward is projected to notch 43.5 in total points, assists and boards. For the year, he's averaging 28.9 points, 8.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists a night (which together add up to 44, i.e. the over). He'll cover the projected spread.
Dennis Schröder's Total Stocks
The Lakers' veteran backup point guard has sneakily had a really stellar finish to his season, not just as a scorer and passer but also, perhaps more importantly, as a defender. His estimated over/under for cumulative stocks today (steals and blocks) is 0.5. Look for him to cover.
So can LA get it done today? It absolutely has the talent, but I'm skeptical. Regardless, this could be a pretty entertaining rock fight.
Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!
