LA Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies Predictions 12/29/21

Los Angeles Lakers (17-18 SU, 13-22-0 ATS) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (21-14 SU, 21-14-0 ATS)

When: Wednesday December 29 2021, 08:00 PM (ET)

Where: FedEx Forum: Memphis, Tennesee

TV: N

Point Spread: LAL 4.5/MEM -4.5 (Opened at MEM -4.5 at Bovada – Check out their live betting platform! It’s incredible! They give you a 50% bonus and rebates on ALL your bets!)

Total: 225.5 (Opened at 225.5)

Money Line: Los Angeles +155/Memphis -193)

Power Rating: MEM -4.5

Probable Starting Lineups

Lakers: PG Russell Westbrook, SG Avery Bradley, SF Talen Horton-Tucker, PF Lebron James, C Dwight Howard

Grizzlies: PG Ja Morant, SG Desmond Bane, SF Dillon Brooks, PF Jaren Jackson Jr, C Steven Adams

Key Injuries

Lakers
Trevor Ariza: ankle (OUT) Anthony Davis: knee (QUESTIONABLE) Kendrick Nunn: ankle (QUESTIONABLE) Austin Reaves: illness (OUT) Rajon Rondo: illness (OUT) Russell Westbrook: illness (OUT)

Grizzlies
Santi Aldama: calf (OUT) Dillon Brooks: illness (OUT) Jarrett Culver: illness (OUT) De’Anthony Melton: illness (OUT) Sam Merrill: ankle (QUESTIONABLE) Yves Pons: illness (OUT) Ziaire Williams: knee (OUT)

Recent Form

The Los Angeles Lakers enter today’s game, having broken a five-game losing streak vs. Houston. Over their past ten games, the team has played at a below .500 mark going 4-6. LA travels to Memphis with a negative plus-minus of rating -2.0 points as the road team. Overall the Lakers are ranked 22nd among NBA teams in point differential (2.1). Among NBA teams, they have played the easiest schedule.

For bettors, taking the Los Angeles Lakers to cover the spread has been a losing bet as they are covering the spread in 35.30% of their games. Their season-long plus-minus against the spread is -4.3.

On offense, the team’s leading scorer is SF LeBron James. So far, James is averaging 27.36 points per game. This output places him 3rd among small-forwards James is also the team’s best three-point shooter, connecting on 2.64 shots from downtown per game. Russell Westbrook has been in charge of cleaning up the glass, hauling in 7.88 boards per game.

The Memphis Grizzlies enter today’s game, having won 2 straight games. In their past ten contests, the Grizzlies’s have played at an above .500 rate, going 7-3. This mark has come while playing the 19th hardest schedule. As they get set to host the Lakers, Memphis has a positive home plus-minus of 5.7 points. Overall the Grizzlies are ranked 9th among NBA teams in point differential (0.5).

For bettors, taking the Los Angeles Lakers to cover the spread has been a winning bet as they are covering the spread in 60.00% of their games. Their season-long plus-minus against the spread is 1.9.

On offense, the team’s leading qualified scorer is SG Desmond Bane. So far, Bane is averaging 17.17 points per game while hitting just under three three-pointers per game. Steven Adams has been in charge of cleaning up the glass, hauling in 9.11 rebounds.

An Eye On Pace

Heading into the game, the Los Angeles Lakers lead the league in possessions per game, at 101 per game. So far, this has been most evident in their ability to get to the free-throw line, averaging 22 attempts per game. LA has also preferred to work the ball inside, ranking just 22nd in three-point attempts. On the other side, the Memphis Grizzlies are averaging 98.9 possessions per game, placing them 11th in the NBA. Like their opponent, they are also selective about taking shots from deep. Through 35 games, Memphis ranks 21st in three-point attempts.

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Key Matchups

Given that the Lakers play at such an up-tempo pace, the team is ranked just 27th in points allowed (112.6). However, in terms of defensive efficiency, they are rated 12th at 108.9 points per 100 possessions. On the other side, the Grizzlies have the edge on defense. So far, they have given up 108.6 points per game. Memphis has also done an excellent job generating turnovers, ranking 6th in turnover percentage (14%).

The Historicals

Tonight’s game vs. the Lakers and Grizzlies will be their 3rd meeting of the season with each team each winning at home.

How the Public is Betting the Nuggets vs. Warriors

65% are betting the Grizzlies against the spread.

55% are wagering on the game to go Under the posted total of 225.5

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Lakers are 2-5 ATS in their last seven games overall.
• Lakers are 7-19 ATS in their last 26 games following an ATS win.
• Grizzlies are 4-1 ATS in their last five games following a straight-up win.
• Grizzlies are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games overall.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

The Memphis Grizzlies come into this game with numerous advantages. Not only are they playing at home, but they will be taking on a Lakers team playing on back-to-back nights. Even though both teams are dealing with injures and players on the health and safety protocols list, the Grizzlies are the more healthy squad. Look for Memphis to pick up an easy win over the Lakers.

Prop Bets Worth Wagering

My favorite prop bet of the night is to take Jaren Jackson Jr. to have a big game scoring the ball. Without Anthony Davis, the Lakers’ interior defense struggles to slow down opposing big men. Look for Jackson Jr. to score at least 20 points in a Grizzlies win. Question: Are you laying -110 on your bets? Of course you are! Did you know that there’s a couple sportsbooks out there where you only have to lay -105 odds? Imagine how much money you would have saved and could save moving forward betting on games at reduced vig!