Memphis Grizzlies vs. LA Lakers Odds & Picks 10/24/21

Memphis Grizzlies(2-0 SU, 2-0-0 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Lakers(0-2 SU, 0-2-0 ATS)
When: Sunday, October 24th, 2021, 9:30 (ET)
Where:Staples Center, Los Angeles CA
TV: Spectrum SportsNet

Point Spread: MEM +6/LAL -6 (Opened at LAL -6)
Total: 220.5 (Opened at 221)
Money Line: Lakers -266, Grizzlies +212
Power Rating: Lakers -6.5
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Probable Starting Lineups

Memphis: PG Ja Morant, SG D’Anthony Melton, SF Desmond Bane, PF Jaren Jackson, C Steven Adams
Los Angeles: PG Russell Westbrook, SG Kent Bazemore, SF Lebron James, PF Anthony Davis, C DeAndre Jordan

Key Injuries

Grizzlies: Dillon Brooks (Out)

Lakers: Trevor Ariza (Out), Kendrick Nunn (Out), Wayne Ellington(Out)

Recent Form

The Memphis Grizzlies are off to a hot start to the season, entering tonight’s matchup at 2-0. Last night the team posted a 120-114 victory over the LA Clippers.

In the game, the Grizzlies established control with a solid third quarter, winning the period 38-27.

Leading the team to its second straight win was Ja Morant with his 28 points. Through two games, Morant appears in line for a big year as he opened the season with a 37 point outing vs. Cleveland.

The Grizzlies also received meaningful contributions from De’Anthony Melton and Jaren Jackson, who scored 22 and 21 points.

The Los Angeles Lakers have started the season with an 0-2 record. Although it’s way too early panic, Lebron James-led teams always face heightened levels of praise and scrutiny.

In Friday night’s matchup vs. the Suns, the Lakers struggled in the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Scoring just 41 points between the periods, Los Angeles fell behind and struggled to make the game competitive.

The Lakers were led by Lebron James and his 25 points. Their newest addition Rusell Westbrook fell just short of triple-double, with 15 points, 11 rebounds and, 9 assists.

This Los Angeles defeat was especially disappointing as Anthony Davis, Lebron James, and Russell Westbrook each logged +35 minutes. Throughout the season, I expect the Lakers to pick and choose their games in which they go all out. On nights they give their star players a full workload; they are surely hoping it will equate to wins.

Clashing Style Of Pace

The Memphis Grizzlies will enter this game looking to push the pace of play. Last season the Grizzlies sought to maximize their opportunities by creating as many possessions as possible. When the Lakers played fast-paced teams, they brought teams down to their level, as the contests averaged three fewer possessions than expected. This proved to be an effective strategy as the Lakers won 74% of these games.

In tonight’s game, the Grizzlies might struggle adapting to the Laker’s slower style of play. In 2020-2021, Memphis won just 41% of their matchups vs. slow-paced teams.

The Lakers Can Handle Good Offenses

Last season, LA was one of the league’s least efficient offenses, ranking 24th in the NBA. When Memphis took on teams who struggled to put up points, they allowed those teams to score above their expected output. This led to a win percentage of 56% with a margin of victory of 5 points.

The Lakers will have to figure out a way to slow down Memphis’ offenses which finished in the top 10 in offensive efficiency. Last year, they only won 37% of their games against good offenses but held them two points below their expected point total.

Can The LA Keep Up?

In this evening contest, the Lakers will have to contend with a Grizzlies defense that allows some of the fewest points per possession. This isn’t a good recipe for Los Angeles as they struggle to score the ball vs. good defenses.

Memphis has a more favorable offensive matchup as they won 67% of last year’s games vs. teams profiling similarly to the Lakers defense. They won these games with an average margin of 5 points.

The Historicals

In the 2020-2021 season, the Los Angeles Lakers owned their matchups vs. the Grizzlies (3-0). Between the three games, LA scored 317 points compared to Memphis’ 291.

These games were fairly low scoring as the highest individual team total was 115 points. In the second game of the series, both teams failed to surpass 100 points (94-92).

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How the Public is Betting the Grizzlies vs. Lakers

68% are betting the Lakers against the spread.
71% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 220.5.

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• In their last 5 games, the Grizzlies have gone over their total in all 5
• When taking the road, Memphis has gone over the total in 4/5 games.
• LA is 5-1 against the spread when hosting the Grizzlies.
• The Lakers are 5-1 straight up at home vs. Memphis.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

One of the big concerns when betting on NBA teams is how they will fare in back-to-back games. Given that Memphis played last night, there is some concern that they will have tired legs and fade near the game’s end. However, this isn’t as big of an issue as expected as there was no travel involved, playing both games in the Staples Center.

In tonight’s game, I will be taking the Grizzlies to cover the +6 spread and keep the contest close. I see their up-tempo style of playing bothering the Lakers on both sides of the ball.

Prop Bets Worth Wagering

I recommend taking Russell Westbrook to go over his line of 17.5 points. His matchup vs. Ja Morant should bring the best out of the veteran point guard.

Look for Jaren Jackson to go under his line of 17.5 points. As long as Anthony Davis is expected to play his normal minutes, I see the Lakers big man causing problems for Jackson down low.