The Los Angeles Lakers (13-12) travel to FedExForum Thursday to take on the Memphis Grizzlies (14-11). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Lakers at Grizzlies odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
Coming off arguably their best performance of the season, the Lakers and their Big 3 will kick off a short two-game road trip having won three of their last four.
Led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers have been the worst team in the NBA against the spread. At just 9-16 ATS, it’s not been profitable to bet on Los Angeles.
So far this season, Memphis has been far better, 15-10 ATS. With that in mind, the Grizzlies will be without star Ja Morant which means fans should be treated with more F Jaren Jackson Jr. and G Desmond Bane.
The Grizzlies sit 4th in the West with Los Angeles currently sixth.
Lakers at Grizzlies odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:33 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Lakers -170 (bet $170 to win $100) | Grizzlies +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
- Against the spread (ATS): Lakers -3.5 (-115) | Grizzlies +3.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Lakers at Grizzlies key injuries
Lakers
- F LeBron James (abdomen) probable
- F Anthony Davis (thumb) probable
Grizzlies
- PG Ja Morant (knee) out
- PF Brandon Clarke (knee) out
- SF Kyle Anderson (back) out
Lakers at Grizzlies odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Lakers 108, Grizzlies 104
Money line
PASS on the money line with a slight lean to the Lakers at -170. Given the difference in the odds to just take the points, I’d rather play that for some value.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the LAKERS -3.5 (-115) as the better side of the spread. Against a good Boston team, the Lakers figured it out as the Big 3 had their best collective performance of the season.
Now, against a team without their star, they should be able to come out of the gate hot. Los Angeles has both a top ten defensive and offensive rating over their last three games.
With their Big 3 at full strength, the Lakers’ star power should be the difference here.
Also, while Memphis has been great ATS, they’re just 1-2 as home underdogs, and without Morant, I’m not ready to back the Grizzlies against a Lakers team that could have the best three players on the court.
Over/Under
BET on the UNDER 223.5 (-110) as both teams have been playing much better on the defensive end. Over their last three, the Grizzlies rank second in the league in defensive rating.
Also, while the Lakers may play at the second-fastest pace in the NBA, they rank in the bottom third of the league in offensive rating. They also don’t rebound on the offensive glass at a high rate like Memphis.
Memphis has scored less than 100 points in three of its last five. While the Lakers are hot right now offensively, regression is due, and that could happen as they’re finally not being backed by the Staples Center crowd.
After jolting up following a 221 open, fans betting the Under should feel confident in there number here.
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