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The Los Angeles Lakers aim to assume complete control of a 2023 NBA playoff first-round series on Wednesday. The Lakers visit the Memphis Grizzlies for Game 2 of a best-of-seven clash, and Los Angeles leads the series by a 1-0 margin. FedExForum hosts the matchup, with Memphis bringing the NBA's best home record (35-6) during the regular season. Memphis star Ja Morant (hand) is out after getting hurt in Game 1.

Los Angeles is listed as a 1-point favorite, and tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. The total number of points Vegas thinks will be scored, or the over/under, is 223.5 in the latest Lakers vs. Grizzlies odds. Before you make any Grizzlies vs. Lakers picks, you need to see the NBA playoff predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's advanced computer model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past four-plus seasons. The model enters the second week of the 2023 NBA playoffs a stunning 71-37 on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $3,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Grizzlies and just locked in its picks and NBA playoff predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Grizzlies vs. Lakers:

  • Lakers vs. Grizzlies spread: Lakers -1
  • Lakers vs. Grizzlies over/under: 223.5 points
  • Lakers vs. Grizzlies money line: Lakers -120, Grizzlies +100
  • LAL: The Lakers are 20-21-1 against the spread in road games
  • MEM: The Grizzlies are 23-18-1 against the spread in home games
  • Lakers vs. Grizzlies picks: See picks at SportsLine

Why the Lakers can cover

The Lakers are playing impressive defense in the recent past, including a top-five defensive rating (111.3) after the All-Star break. Los Angeles led the NBA in free throw prevention this season, yielding only 20.8 attempts per game, and the Grizzlies had the worst free throw accuracy (73.3%) in the league. The Lakers also held opponents to 34.4% from 3-point range and 46.9% from the field in 2022-23, and Los Angeles secured almost 79% of available defensive rebounds in Game 1.

On the other end, the Lakers were dynamic in Game 1, scoring 1.28 points per possession on offense. Los Angeles also shot 53.3% from the field and 43.2% from 3-point range in the series opener, and the Lakers generated 26 fast break points and 22 second-chance points while producing a 35.6% offensive rebound rate. The Lakers showed their upside with a 15-0 run to close the game, and LA was the best team in the NBA this season in free throw creation, averaging 26.6 attempts per game. See which side to back at SportsLine.

Why the Grizzlies can cover

Memphis brings a top-tier defense to the table, led by Defensive Player of the Year winner Jaren Jackson Jr. He averaged a league-leading 3.0 blocked shots per game in 2022-23, and Jackson Jr. anchors a group that ranked third in defensive efficiency in giving up only 110.7 points per 100 possessions. Memphis led the league in field goal percentage allowed (45.3%), and the Grizzlies finished with top-three marks in 2-point shooting allowed (52.1%), steals per game (8.3), and blocks per game (5.8 per game). The Grizzlies force more than 15 turnovers per game and protect the paint at a high level, allowing only 47.5 points per game in the lane.

On the offensive end, the Grizzlies are also explosive. Memphis led the NBA in scoring 58.4 points per game in the paint, and the Grizzlies were No. 2 in the league with 18.0 fast break points per game. The Grizzlies also threaten on the offensive glass, grabbing 30.2% of available rebounds after missed shots and generating well over 15 second-chance points per game. With Memphis also posting the NBA's best home record during the regular season, the Grizzlies can be confident in their projection. See which side to back at SportsLine.

How to make Grizzlies vs. Lakers picks

SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the point total, projecting the teams to combine for 231 points. The model also says one side of the spread hits in over 50% of simulations. You can see the model's NBA picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Lakers vs. Grizzlies? And which side of the spread hits over 50% of the time? Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread you need to jump on, all from the model that is 71-37 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.