Dillon Brooks' series trajectory has plummeted since he had 15 points in Game 1. He has faltered so much that his points prop has dropped from 13.5 to Friday's number of 11.5. It’s dicey to jump in on another Under, but Brooks is coming off a 3-of-15 performance in Game 5. One can argue he is at best the fourth option for the Grizzlies behind a surging Desmond Bane, Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. Tail his Under once more.

Memphis is the worst shooting team during the playoffs at 42% and they’re second to last in steals with only six per game. Memphis isn't active on the road and it's been a trend all season. They went 16-27 straight-up on the road this season (14-27 ATS) and were even worse as an underdog going 2-20 (5-17 ATS). When the oddsmakers say Memphis is an underdog, Memphis doesn’t show up. I’m on the Lakers who are playing with a purpose.

LeBron. Closeout. Los Angeles. The stars have aligned tonight to finally ride LeBron James and a three-point prop. His past two games have been rather poor offensively to his standards which makes me like this play even more, he knows what time it is. James is averaging 7.2 attempts from behind the arc per game this series but look for 9-10 tonight. We only need three to drop. Not to mention, should the Lakers find themselves in control late and the series in hand, don't think for one second LeBron won't look to drill one from deep just to let Dillon Brooks know about it.

LeBron James struggled offensively in Game 5, scoring 15 points on 5-for-17 shooting from the field. However, he was busy on the boards again, hauling in 10 rebounds. That marked the fourth time over the five games against the Grizzlies that he has posted double-digit rebounds. The one time he didn’t, he had nine. With the Grizzlies’ lack of depth up front, look for James to be productive on the glass again.

I'm not saying the NBA wants LeBron and the Lakers to advance ... but what do you think it prefers: Golden State vs. Memphis or Steph Curry against James in Round 2? As purely a fan, I hope the Grizzlies win here to force a Game 7 back at their place, but they have simply been terrible on the road at 16-27 including playoffs. James and Anthony Davis won't let that happen. LeBron was by his own admission terrible in Game 5 and promised to be much better on Friday. I tend to believe him. Davis is coming off arguably his best game of the series and LA outscored Memphis by six with him on the court in a 17-point road loss.