Game 3 Grizzlies vs Lakers Picks, Odds & Props to Target, Including LeBron Over/Under Points

Published: April 21, 2023 at 7:20 pm EDT

LeBron James pointing up — Apr 19, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies during game two of the 2023 NBA playoffs at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Game 3 between the Grizzlies and Lakers goes Saturday at Crypto.com Arena
The series is currently tied 1-1
Find the Game 3 Grizzlies vs Lakers odds, preview, props, and prediction below

The first-round matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers shifts back to Crypto.com Arena on Saturday evening for Game 3, with the series currently tied 1-1. The tip-off here is scheduled for 10pm ET on ESPN.

The Grizz bounced back on Wednesday at home despite being without Ja Morant, winning 103-93. Ja is expected to be a game-time decision this weekend due to a hand injury.

A LeBron James revenge game could very well be in the cards as well after Dillon Brooks proceeded to call The King “too old”. We’ll get into that more below with a unique player prop from BetMGM.

Game 3 Grizzlies vs Lakers Odds

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total
Memphis Grizzlies	+3.5 (-108)	+146	Ov 221 (-110)
Los Angeles Lakers	-3.5 (-112)	-174	Un 221 (-110)

The Lakers are favored at home by 3.5 points with -174 moneyline odds. The Grizzlies come back at +146 NBA odds. LA has won three of the last four against Memphis.

Odds as of April 21 at BetMGMSportsbook.

No Ja, No Problem for Grizzlies

The Grizzlies aren’t a team defined by their superstar like some teams. Therefore, when Morant was ruled out for Game 2, they didn’t panic because, after all, Memphis has a 38-24 record without Ja since he entered the Association.

Taylor Jenkins got contributions from everywhere Wednesday, with seven of the nine players in the rotation finishing in double-figures. Xavier Tillman led the way with 22 points and 13 rebounds and played a part in the Grizzlies shutting down Anthony Davis, while Desmond Bane also had 17 points.

Ja Morant was a full participant in Grizzlies practice today. Coach Taylor Jenkins says he’ll still be listed as questionable for Game 3 Saturday night.

— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) April 21, 2023

Memphis didn’t particularly shoot the ball all that well either, they just locked down defensively and did enough on the offensive end to outduel LA. Morant’s return would be ideal Saturday, but the Grizz are more than capable of still competing with LeBron and Co.

Can Lakers Respond?

After a dominant Game 1, the Lakers came out and looked flat from the get-go Wednesday, struggling to get going offensively. While Bron dropped 28 points and Rui Hachimura added 20, there wasn’t really any more production elsewhere. AD was held to a mere 13 points on 4-for-14 shooting and will need to find a way to get going against the Grizzlies’ physical brand of basketball.

Darvin Ham’s group shot a mere 27% from long range and barely ever led in this contest. Perhaps the biggest storyline of the night was Brooks taunting James and then also insulting the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, saying it wasn’t difficult to guard him and claiming he won’t respect anyone until they “give him 40”.

After generally side stepping questions about Dillon Brooks’ comments, LeBron James cut off his media availability with a simple message. pic.twitter.com/yVcWNWf5g4

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) April 21, 2023

James refused to answer any question about the matter at media availability Friday. You better believe Brooks’ remarks irked him, but in the way that LeBron is going to come out and absolutely destroy him Saturday and show why he’s arguably the GOAT.

LeBron James Player Prop

BetMGM has a prop about James scoring 40+ points after the Brooks drama and it’s priced at +600. Yes, it’s a steep number. But we’re talking about The King here. The Grizz have upped their physicality on AD, which means it could be up to LeBron to carry the load. The only way to shut Brooks up is to go out and erupt. Will he get 40? Maybe, maybe not. But knowing LeBron, this is absolutely worth a small bet at the very least. I mean, just $10 bucks would make you a $60 profit.

LeBron James Over 40 Points (+600)

Other Grizzlies vs Lakers Player Props

Hachimura is playing phenomenal basketball in this series, combining to score 49 points through the first two games. His over/under in points is set at 14.5 Saturday. The former Gonzaga standout is attacking the hoop with authority and looks to have a ton of confidence right now. The Lakers will surely keep putting the ball in his hands because of it. Take the over in points for Rui at FanDuel.

Rui Hachimura Over 14.5 Points (-102)

Grizzlies vs Lakers Game 3 Prediction

I refuse to bet against LeBron James after the utter disrespect from Brooks. The veteran will be the driving force behind an important win for the Lakers. They’ll cover.

Pick: Lakers -3.5 (-112)

Quinn Allen

Sports Writer

Quinn Allen is a sports journalist, with a background and education in broadcast journalism (BCIT '17). He is a full-time associate editor at ClutchPoints by day, where he writes about soccer, baseball, basketball, football, and more. At night, Quinn is a frequent contributor at SBD.

NBA MLB Soccer Tennis