The Los Angeles Lakers will attempt to take a commanding 3-1 lead in their NBA Western Conference best-of-seven series with the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night after cruising to a 111-101 victory in Game 3 on Saturday.
Anthony Davis turned in a 31-point, 17-rebound performance to lift the Lakers in the victory, while LeBron James poured in 25 points, nine rebounds, and five assists in the drama-filled affair (more on that below).
Los Angeles is a 4.5-point home favourite on Monday night with the total set at 220.5 points.
| Grizzlies Moneyline Odds | +160 |
| Lakers Moneyline Odds | -190 |
| Spread Odds | Lakers -4.5 |
| Series Odds | Grizzlies +295, Lakers -370 |
| Over/Under | 220.5 points (over -110, under -110) |
| Time/Date | Monday, April 24, 10:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | Broadcast: TSN1 |
Previous games in series
The Lakers are 2-1 straight-up and 2-1 against the spread in the first three games of the series. The teams have combined to play under the total in two of the three playoff contests. During the regular season, Los Angeles also took of three from Memphis straight-up and covered in a pair of those games.
| Date | Home Team | Spread Odds | Result | Total |
| April 16 (Game 1) | Memphis | Lakers -5 | 128-112 Lakers | 228 (over) |
| April 19 (Game 2) | Memphis | Lakers -1 | 103-93 Grizzlies | 223 (under) |
| April 22 (Game 3) | Los Angeles | Lakers -4.5 | 111-101 Lakers | 222 (under) |
About the Grizzlies (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS, 1-2 o/u)
The major storyline heading into Game 4 is the ongoing feud between Dillon Brooks who hails from Mississauga, Ontario, and James.
Brooks was ejected from Game 3 in the third quarter after hitting James in the groin with his left hand. However, he won’t face any further discipline from the league and is expected to suit up for Game 4.
The ejection came after Brooks made some derogatory comments about James to the media ahead of Game 3. He referred to the four-time MVP as “old” and not worthy of his respect. James didn’t take the bait and elected not to fire back about the comments. However, Brooks still took it upon himself to attempt to get under LeBron’s skin (literally) in any way possible. The drama is sure to spill over in some fashion to Game 4.
Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant returned for Game 3 of the series after missing Game 2 with a bruised right hand to score 45 points on 13-of-26 shooting. Amazingly, 24 of those points came in the fourth quarter as Memphis staged a late-game comeback attempt that ultimately fell short.
Memphis shot just 37.6% from the field in the loss and only 26% in the first half. The Grizzlies trailed by as many as 29 points at one point in the first half.
About the Lakers (2-1 SU, 2-1 ATS, 1-2 o/u)
It was encouraging to see big games from both Davis and James in Game 2, but the team will continue to need more contributions from the supporting cast.
D’Angelo Russell is just 14-for-42 from the field in the series, but Rui Hachimura has stepped up and played a key offensive role for the Lakers. The forward put up 16 points on 60% shootting in Game 3, after huge performances in the first two games of the series (29 points in Game 1, 20 in Game 2).
The Lakers have had a huge edge on the shorthanded Grizzlies in regards to bench scoring, outscoring Memphis 91-60 in the series.
Noteworthy absences
The Lakers have a relatively clean bill of health ahead of this one, while the Grizzlies will be without centre Steven Adams (knee), and forwards Brandon Clarke (Achilles), and Jake LaRavia (calf).
Betting trends
- The under is 16-4-1 in the past 21 meetings.
- The Grizzlies are 2-6 ATS in the past eight meetings in Los Angeles.
- The over is 9-2 in the Lakers’ last 11 games overall.
- The Grizzlies are 1-4 ATS in their last five road games.
Player prop trends
- Ja Morant has played over his made three-pointers prop in four of his last five games. The Grizzlies guard drained a season-high six three-pointers in Game 3, easily surpassing his 1.5 made threes line. Best odds: FanDuel over 1.5 threes (-184).
- Desmond Bane has played over his points scored prop in seven of his last 10 games. However, he’s failed to reach his line in the last two playoff matchups against the Lakers. Best odds: FanDuel over 20.5 points (-113).
- Austin Reaves has hauled in four or more rebounds in four of his last five games. Best odds: FanDuel over 3.5 rebounds (-136).
*CSB reviewed and compared the best odds for these props from Sports Interaction, Betway, bet365, FanDuel, Bet99, and NorthStar Bets.
Wagers to consider
- Lakers -4.5 (-109 NorthStar Bets). The Brooks shenanigans have appeard to backfire and the Lakers have home court to start pulling away in the series. The health of Morant is still concerning (even though he put up massive numbers in Game 3) and Memphis’ lack of bench depth at the centre and power forward positions can be exploited.
- Rui Hachimura over 13.5 points (+110 Bet99). As previously discussed above, Hachimura has the hot hand and is averaging 21.7 points per game in the series. He still scored 16 points in Game 3 despite only playing 22 minutes and he played in excess of 30 minutes in each of the first two games of the series.
Other NBA playoff games Monday
| Home Team | Spread/total | Away Team |
| Miami Heat | +7, 218 over/under | Milwaukee Bucks |
