Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies betting tips and predictions for Friday’s NBA game on ESPN. The Lakers are massive underdogs at home against the Memphis Grizzlies who have now won 11 games in a row. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Los Angeles Lakers
Even though they are 20-25 SU on the season, it’s not often you get the Lakers as 7-point underdogs when playing at home. That’s exactly the case tonight against the surging Grizzlies, who are on one of the longest win streaks in the entire NBA this season. Can Lebron James and co. put an end to that? They are just 1-4 SU in their last 5 games, however over their last 10 outings they’ve successfully covered the spread 7 times, so there is hope if you are a Lakers fan.
James is averaging nearly 30 points per game this season, over his last 8 outings he’s upped that to an almost unreal 36.4 points which is quite impressive for a 38-year old. He is also getting a lot of help from Russell Westbrook who is coming off the bench and having triple-doubles. LA actually has an edge in head-to-head meetings with 6 wins in the last 10 played.
Memphis Grizzlies
You’ll find it difficult to find a stat where the Grizzlies are struggling since the New Year has started. They are a flawless 11-0 SU in their last 11 games, and are currently tied with the Denver Nuggets for the top spot in the Western Conference. Ja Morant is the frontrunner for MVP honors, he’s averaging 27.4 points and 7.9 assists per game while shooting almost 47% from the field.
Even though they are just 11-10 SU on the road this season, Memphis has been able to cover the spread in 5 of 6 games away from home. They are close to full health right now, with only Danny Green being questionable with a knee problem. When health is on their side, this team is really hard to beat, so they will be hoping to maintain that as we get closer to the postseason.
I actually believe the Lakers do have a chance here, it’s a close race for the play-in tournament at the moment and every win counts for them. This game will go down the wire, that should benefit the team that is the underdog here, so let’s back the Lakers and the extra points.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies Predictions & Odds
The Grizzlies streak of 3-games in a row of 130+ point scored might be over, but they are still going to put up a ton of points on these Lakers tonight and vice-versa. LA plays the one of the fastest paces in the league this season averaging 103 points per 100 possessions. Memphis is even faster at 104.3 possessions, so just by those numbers alone we can expect both teams to push the tempo here.
What has hurt the Lakers since the turn of the new year is their defense, they allow 112 points per 100 possessions, without Anthony Davis they just don’t have any inside presence and teams are taking advantage of that. Ja Morant will be on the forefront of the Grizzlies offense here, expect him to get an easy 30 points here as he attacks the basket relentlessly. This game has the over written all over it, so back the points.
