We’re already on day five of the 2023 NBA Playoffs, and they have not disappointed. We’ll be keying in on a pair of Lakers starters in a parlay for our favorite NBA props for Wednesday night’s action.
The Los Angeles Lakers are taking on the Memphis Grizzlies in a crucial Game 2 this evening — tipoff is at 7:30 ET. Ja Morant‘s status will come down to a game-time decision for tonight’s battle, and a win for the Lakers all but wraps up the series. Yes, it’s still early, but if LeBron James and co. are up 2-0 headed home, they’ll be smelling a sweep.
LeBron and Anthony Davis anchor Los Angeles’ lineup on each side of the court. But, Austin Reaves has stepped up big for the purple and gold recently. So, we’ll be targeting him and LeBron in the same game parlay for Game 2.
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NBA Props for Wednesday (4/19)
SGP: Austin Reaves 12+ Points, LeBron James 5+ Assists, 5+ Rebounds (-120 @ DraftKings)
Austin Reaves has been crucially important to the Los Angeles Lakers’ late-season success. And, he’s become a permanent fixture in the team’s starting lineup over the last month.
On the other hand, LeBron James is locked into a huge role anytime his team is participating in postseason basketball. He was more passive than we’ve been accustomed to seeing down the stretch in Game 1. But, he still finished with a 21-point, 11-rebound, 5-assist performance in 34 minutes.
With the Lakers entering tonight’s contest as 1-point underdogs, look for both players to see big minutes in a game that’s expected to stay close.
Reaves’ Starting Role
After a magnificent 35-point game in just 30 minutes off the bench, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham had seen enough. He finally decided to insert Austin Reaves into the starting lineup for good. In 12 games since, he’s scored at least 12 points in 11 of them. Reaves scored 18.2 points per game during this stretch, playing at least 29 minutes in every single game.
He lit it up in his NBA playoff debut, too. The 2nd-year pro dropped 23 points in 31 minutes, including 14 points on 5-for-5 shooting in the fourth quarter.
Reaves has reached the 12-point mark in 19 of his last 20 games. And, he’s cashed this number in 23 of 30 games when seeing at least 30 minutes. Look for the Oklahoma product to see another 30-34 minutes this evening, as the Lakers have a chance to go up 2-0 in Memphis.
LeBron’s Consistency
King James is as consistent as they come, especially once the postseason rolls around. He’s finished with at least 5 assists and at least 5 rebounds in 43 of his 55 games this season. And, he’s reached both of these marks in eight consecutive games entering tonight’s showdown.
The King is averaging 8.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game over his last eight games. And, he’s done incredibly well against these Memphis Grizzlies over the last three seasons. He’s averaging 10.2 RPG and 7.2 APG against the fast-paced Grizz, recording 5-plus rebounds and assists in all nine meetings since 2021.
James has grabbed at least 5 boards and dished out at least 5 assists in 30 of 39 games alongside Anthony Davis this season. Look for the 20-year vet to stay active in all facets of the game tonight.
Conclusion
LeBron James has been carrying the re-vamped Los Angeles Lakers as a playmaker on both sides of the ball. Meanwhile, Austin Reaves has broken out as a consistent scorer and has benefitted from the attention James and Davis see on a nightly basis. We’re rolling with these two in an SGP for tonight’s action.
Enjoy playing our favorite NBA Props for Wednesday and Join us for the rest of the NBA playoffs!
