The Memphis Grizzlies pay a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers at the Crypto.com Arena on Friday night. Here’s a Lakers vs Grizzlies Prediction. This article will include a Lakers vs Grizzlies Pick.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies have been in decent form as they’ve split their last eight games but they will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat after falling painfully short to the 76ers in a 139-136 overtime win on Tuesday. Ja Morant led the team with 40 points on 16 of 22 shooting, Cedric Coward added 28 points with 16 rebounds on 10 of 16 shooting while Jaren Jackson Jr and Santi Aldama each scored 15 points. As a team, the Grizzlies shot a healthy 55 percent from the field and 11 of 29 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 40 points in the first quarter to jump out in front early. But it was a real battle with the 76ers all the way until the overtime period where the Grizzlies managed just eight points to come up short in the end.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have been in a rut as they’ve lost four of their last five games overall and they will be hoping to bounce back here after getting trounced by the Pistons in a 128-106 loss on Tuesday. Luka Doncic led the team with 30 points and 11 assists, LeBron James added 17 points with four assists while Jaxson Hayes chipped in with 13 points on five of five shooting off the bench. As a team, the Lakers shot 45 percent from the field and 11 of 39 from the 3-point line as they poured in 65 points in the first half to stay within striking distance of the Pistons until the fourth quarter. They managed just 18 points to allow the Pistons to pull away and snatch the win.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Grizzlies have lost each of their last 10 road games against Pacific Division opponents that held a winning record.
- The Lakers have won each of their last seven games against Southwest Division opponents that held a losing record.
- The Grizzlies have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games following a home loss.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win
- The Grizzlies have won each of their last three games as underdogs against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Lakers have lost four of their last five games.
- The Grizzlies have covered the spread in each of their last six games against the Lakers following a home loss.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games against Southwest Division opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Grizzlies’ last seven games against Pacific Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Lakers’ last eight games as home favorites have gone OVER the total points line.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Luka Doncic ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points per game (33.5) this season.
- Deandre Ayton ranks 2nd amongst qualified players for FG% (70.6%) this season.
Memphis Grizzlies Player Facts
- Christian Koloko has played the most minutes without a turnover (99:21) of any player in the league this season.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. has recorded 3+ blocks in four consecutive appearances – longest active streak of any player in the league.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.8).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for Q4 win percentage this season (67.7%).
- Eight different Grizzlies players have scored 25+ points in a game this season – equal-most in the league.
- The Grizzlies rank 2nd in the league for opponent free throws made per game this season (17.3).
Lakers vs Grizzlies Prediction
The Grizzlies are still missing Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke and Ty Jerome with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope listed as questionable, while the Lakers have ruled out Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent. The Grizzlies come into this contest as the team in better form, but they are still missing a long list of players compared to the Lakers, who are also shorthanded. The Lakers are still favorites at home in this matchup, but they were poor in their last outing and I think they are still vulnerable with Reaves and Hachimura still out injured. I think we’re about to see a close contest, so I will be taking the Grizzlies with any points I can get my hands on for this matchup.