Charles Barkley: 'I'm going to pick' Los Angeles Lakers to beat Memphis Grizzlies in NBA playoffs
The Memphis Grizzlies' first round NBA playoff series matchup isn't even set yet, and TNT analyst Charles Barkley is already planning to pick against the West's No. 2 seed.
Barkley and the Inside The NBA crew were discussing Tuesday's play-in game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves during the TNT pregame show. The winner will face Memphis in the first round of the playoffs as the 7-seed.
Barkley said he likes where the Lakers (who led the West with a 16-7 record after the All-Star break) stand in the West playoffs — as long as LA beats Minnesota.
"To me, this is a perfect scenario for the Lakers. I'm going to pick them to beat Memphis," Barkley said during Tuesday's TNT pregame show. "I think the Brandon Clarke and Steven Adams injuries are too big to overcome. I was looking at these games this weekend; I'm like, man, this thing is working out perfect for the Lakers.
"Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke are huge pieces. Now, your team gets really small. Brandon Clarke, to me, is one of the best offensive rebounders and energy guys in the NBA. So, I got the Lakers. And let me tell you something —why it's really important. Because if they lose this game, they are going to have to play Denver and whoever wins between the Clippers and the Suns (in the second round).
"... It's an easier path," Barkley continued. "Do you want Denver in the first round, or do you want Memphis? You don't want Denver."
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The Lakers (43-39) have gotten an extended recent run of health from Anthony Davis to finish the regular season, while LeBron James returned to the lineup two weeks ago after missing 13 games in March with a foot injury. James played the final eight games of the regular season and scored 36 points in a season finale victory over Utah.
Fellow TNT analyst Shaquille O'Neal would not go as far as Barkley in picking the Lakers before they earned the 7-seed, but he did like LA's chances in a series against the Grizzlies and thinks the pressure is on the Lakers against Minnesota.
"I think the Lakers can get Memphis. I think they can beat Memphis." O'Neal said Tuesday. "I'm not saying (dominate them), but if it stretches out to 5, 6, 7 (games), I think they can get Memphis. So the pressure is on the Lakers tonight. It's a must-win for the Lakers."
The Lakers and Timberwolves are scheduled for tip-off just after 9 p.m. CT Tuesday in Los Angeles, with TV coverage on TNT. The winner will face the Grizzlies at FedExForum on Sunday, with time and TV to be determined.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Charles Barkley: 'I'm going to pick' LA Lakers to beat Memphis Grizzlies
