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Lakers vs. Grizzlies Game 1: NBA Playoffs Best Bets & Picks (Sunday)

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On Sunday, we get four more Game 1s. With another day of jam-packed action, there are a lot of opportunities for any bettor to find strong plays. Let's take a look at a few that I have highlighted.


Sunday’s Best 2023 NBA Playoffs Bets

Season to Date: 29-25-2, +1.15 units

Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies

The Lakers played some exceptional basketball since they made over the roster around the trade deadline. Over the course of the entire season, they finished 13th in adjusted defensive rating, but in the last two months of the season, that number was much better. No game was more indicative of how smothering LA's strong defense can be than the Play-In matchup with Minnesota on Tuesday. When they needed it the most, LA was capable of turning up the defense, holding the Timberwolves to just seven points in the last 11 minutes of the fourth quarter and overtime.

Memphis has been a strong defensive team all season, especially at the FedEx Forum. This led to the second-rated adjusted defense. Led by DPOY candidate Jaren Jackson, the post defense was the anchor. They held opponents to a league-low 59.7% shooting at the rim. Losing Steven Adams will be a blow to the unit, but Xavier Tillman has filled in well in his stead.

The total we're getting right now isn't indicative of the kind of basketball we see at this time of the season. These are two very capable defensive teams, and I expect those units to shine in this highly anticipated Game 1. We've already seen the under go 6-4 in the postseason this year, and I expect this game to fit that same trend.

Pick: 1.1u on Total u227.5 (-110)

Here are our other picks and best bets for Sunday:

 


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