The 2023 NBA Playoffs get underway this weekend after three nights of play-in madness. While two of the eight playoff matchups don't come together until Friday evening, others were decided on the final day of the regular season or on Tuesday evening. The tilt between the No. 2 seed Memphis Grizzlies and the No. 7 seed Los Angeles Lakers falls into the latter category. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, executed a comeback win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in the play-in, emerging to face Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and the Grizzlies in a series that begins on Sunday at FedEx Forum.

The Grizzlies posted a 51-31 overall record this season, even while coasting to the finish. Memphis won 35 home games, the most in the NBA. The Grizzlies are led Morant, Jackson Jr., and a rugged, two-way ensemble. Memphis does have injury questions with Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke sidelined, but Desmond Bane is a lethal shooter and the Grizzlies are well-coached by Taylor Jenkins.

On the other side is the biggest brand in the sport, the Lakers. Los Angeles toppled Minnesota by a 108-102 margin in the play-in, using a 20-7 overall run to close the game. James (30 points, 10 rebounds) and Davis (24 points, 15 rebounds) led the way, and Los Angeles has been a different team since adding players like D'Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt at the trade deadline. The Lakers are also the healthier team at this juncture and are garnering more respect than a traditional No. 7 seed, largely due to star power. 

Below, we'll examine the series from every angle, including a pick on the winner and a best bet on the series. As the seven-game matchup gets underway, the Grizzlies are -130 favorites ($130 to win $100) at Caesars Sportsbook, with the Grizzlies listed at +110 ($100 to win $110) to advance. Memphis is +600 to win the Western Conference this season and +1800 to win the 2023 NBA championship. Los Angeles is listed at +700 to win the West and +1400 to win the title.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies full series odds

• Series winner: Grizzlies -130 | Lakers +110
  
• Series handicap: Grizzlies -1.5 games (+185) | Lakers +1.5 games (-230)
• Series alternate handicap: Lakers -1.5 games (+185) | Grizzlies +1.5 games (-230)
• Exact finish: Grizzlies in 7 (+330) | Lakers in 6 (+350) | Grizzlies in 5 (+500) | Grizzlies in 6 (+525) | Lakers in 7 (+550) | Lakers in 5 (+850) | Grizzlies in 4 (+1200) | Lakers in 4 (+1300)

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