Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Lakers Prediction and Betting Tips

The one-step forward, two-step back analogy sums up the LA Lakers' ongoing season perfectly. The Purple and Gold are in dire straits, having lost seven of their last 10 games. The comfort factor is that they play at home against the in-form Memphis Grizzlies at the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday. Their recent dismal stretch sees them plummet to 10th in a stacked West, below the Phoenix Suns and the LA Clippers.

Nothing has changed for the Lakers this season. They continue to be reliant on LeBron James and Anthony Davis. James' absence was particularly noticeable in their 97-87 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, a game marked by poor execution on both ends of the floor. Despite Davis’ 23-point double-double, the Lakers failed to capitalize, allowing the Timberwolves to capitalize on their mistakes.

After taking some time off from the team for personal reasons, James' availability remains a question mark. The 4x NBA champion is listed as questionable ahead of the marquee matchup. If health (the 39-year-old has been dealing with a left ankle soreness) was the key issue, he gets over a week off having been rested for two games.

James' presence on the floor comes as a massive boost for the Lakers. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, D'Angelo Russell, and Dalton Knecht have all blown hot and cold to leave LA's offense sputtering. With third-quarter woes, three-point shooting struggles, and a below-par defense, the Lakers are in desperate need of improvements sooner rather than later.

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At the other end, the Grizzlies have bounced back from their two-game skid in November. They have lost only two games since and are 11-13. Their away record (6-5) isn't the greatest, but their current four-game winning streak sees them sitting pretty in second place in the West with a healthy 18-8 record.

Ja Morant has been clinical for the Grizzlies and is a cinch to be an All-Star. He comes into the contest averaging 22.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 8.6 assists on 46.3% shooting from the field and 31.9% from downtown. Former DPOY Jaren Jackson Jr. (21.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks) has been the perfect two-way star for the side.

This will be the third meeting between both teams. The Lakers landed the first punch, but Round 2 went to the Grizzlies. They meet again only in March 2025. Come Sunday, it's all about momentum for both sides. LA is desperate to restore parity to its campaign that's perhaps another five losses closer to hitting the panic button, while the Grizzlies will look to inch closer to the top seed.

Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Lakers Preview, predicted starting lineups, betting tips, odds, and prediction

The Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Lakers matchup tips off at 9:30 pm ET. Local coverage will be on SportsNet LA and FDSSE. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.

Teams	Spread	Total (o/u)	Moneyline
Memphis Grizzlies	-4	o232.5 (-105)	-170
LA Lakers	+4	u232.5 (-110)	+143

Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off

Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Lakers Preview

The Memphis Grizzlies are a better team on both ends of the floor. What they do as part of the game plan will be a stern test for the LA. Transition defense, consistent shooting, and a lethal threat in Ja Morant are just some of the many problems the hosts will have to combat when they take on the side that's been playing quality ball.

The Grizzlies lead the league in offense, averaging 122.6 points per game, and score 114 points per every 100 possessions. They are fourth in field goal percentage making 45.2% of their shots, and are 15th in three-point offense with 35.9%. Their 116.9 offensive rating is fourth-best in the NBA this season.

Defensively, the Grizzlies are seventh with 109.8. They are 18th in scoring defense, allowing their opponents 105.7 points per 100 possessions.

The LA Lakers are mid to worst on both ends of the floor. They are 21st on scoring defense, conceding 113.7 points per contest. They allow their opponents to 48.1% of their field goals (24th) and 36.9% from beyond the arc (21st). Their defense needs to be decent to even stand a chance of slowing down Memphis.

The Lakers are 19th in scoring offense, averaging 111.1 points per game and propping up 110.5 points per 100 possessions. They shoot better from the field to take the 10th spot in field goal percentage (47.1) but are in the bottom half in 3-point shooting, averaging just 34.9% to take 24th place.

Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Lakers Predicted Starting Lineups

The LA Lakers are likely to field the same starting lineup from their previous clash against the Timberwolves. LeBron James (left foot soreness), who missed the last two games is listed as questionable. Anthony Davis (left plantar fasciitis) is probable. Jaxson Hayes (ankle sprain), Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood (surgery recovery) are ruled out.

Position	Player
PG	Gabe Vincent
SG	Austin Reaves
SF	Max Christie
PF	Rui Hachimura
C	Anthony Davis

The Grizzlies have some key names on the injury list, with rookie big Zach Edey (ankle sprain) listed as questionable. Jay Huff and Marcus Smart (both dealing with left knee soreness) are questionable as well. GG Jackson (metatarsal) and Vince Williams Jr. (ankle sprain) are ruled out. Memphis is unlikely to tinker with the starting unit from their last game.

Position	Player
PG	Ja Morant
SG	Desmond Bane
SF	Jaylen Wells
PF	Jaren Jackson Jr.
C	Brandon Clarke

Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Lakers Betting Tips

Despite the uncertainty in suiting up, LeBron James is listed with an o/u -125/-109 on points. Rui Hachimura is -109/-125 on points, and Anthony Davis is -113/-118 on points.

For the Grizzlies, Desmond Bane is -120/-113 on points + rebounds, and Ja Morant is -120/-113 on points + assists.