NBA Playoffs: Grizzlies at Lakers Game 4 – Odds, Prediction, Start Time

The Lakers come into game four looking to take a commanding 3-1 lead after beating the Grizzlies 111-101 in their last game on Saturday night. This series has been at the center of media attention due to Dillon Brooks’ post game press conference after the Grizzlies’ game two win. Brooks came at LeBron saying things like “He’s old” and “I poke bears.” LeBron did what everyone was expecting and hoping in game three, shut Brooks up, literally. Brooks went 3-13 with 7 points and got ejected after punching LeBron in the groin, he then declined to speak with the media after the game saying “I ain’t talking” to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon. Only 13 times in NBA history has a team come back from down 3-1 in the playoffs, so if the Grizzlies lose game four, their odds to win the series will plummet. 

The Lakers are looking like they could make a serious playoff run right now. They currently have the fourth best odds to win the West at +650 on FanDuel, but if they can beat the Grizzlies that number will go way down. LeBron is playing as well as you could ask a 38 year old to play, scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds per game in the playoffs so far. Anthony Davis is doing an amazing job complimenting him, putting up 22 and 13 to go along with 5 blocks a game in the three games so far.

LeBron is ready to make a run at his fifth NBA title, and the Lakers supporting cast finally looks complete enough to help him get there. 

Despite having one of the most beloved players by young fans, Ja Morant, the Grizzlies have quickly become one of the most hated teams in the NBA. They had an amazing regular season, but on the court they are starting to crumble. In game three, Memphis had the worst start to an NBA playoff game ever, going down 35-9 after the first quarter.

After the abysmal start, Morant’s 45 points were still not enough to carry the Grizzlies back into the game. A question that has lingered over the Grizzlies is are they better without Ja Morant? Since he entered the league, Memphis is 37-24 without Ja in the lineup and 142-106 with Ja in the lineup, a better percentage with Morant out. Morant’s talent is undeniable, but the Grizzlies don’t play as a team as much with him in the lineup.

Our Prediction: 

The Lakers will continue their momentum and steamroll the Grizzlies as they pull away late in the fourth quarter. LA will cover the -5 point spread and win 118-105.