For tonight’s Western Conference rematch, the Los Angeles Lakers (13-12) are playing the Memphis Grizzlies (14-11) at FedExForum. Will Jaren Jackson Jr. and the Grizzlies earn their first win versus the Lakers since Feb. 29, 2020?
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Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies news
Heading into Thursday night’s intraconference matchup, the Lakers are 9-16 against the spread in the 2021-22 NBA season, whereas the Grizzlies are 15-10 against the spread. This exciting matchup will air live at 7 p.m. ET via Bally Sports Midwest, Bally Sports South, Bally Sports Southeast, Bally Sports Southwest, NBA League Pass and Spectrum SportsNet. According to Land of Basketball’s database, based on 96 head-to-head regular season games played all-time, Los Angeles is 61-35 versus Memphis.
Additionally, in the previous three meetings, the Lakers are a perfect 3-0 against them. On Oct. 24, 2021, the first regular season encounter, Los Angeles won 121-118. The Grizzlies have not defeated the Lakers since Feb. 29, 2020, when the team won 105-88. Switching gears, the top story for the Lakers on Thursday pertains to their injury report. Both Anthony Davis and LeBron James are listed as probable to play tonight. In the team’s comfortable win over the Celtics on Wednesday night, James, Davis and Westbrook scored a combined total of 71 points.
Here is the Lakers’ injury report for tomorrow vs. the Grizzlies. pic.twitter.com/8haWyumRfI
— Harrison Faigen (@hmfaigen) December 8, 2021
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies betting lines and odds
Sportsbook: BetUS
Over/Under: 223
Point spread: Lakers -4 (-110)
Best moneyline: Lakers -165, Grizzlies +145
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies injury report
Lakers: SF Trevor Ariza (out indefinitely) | SF LeBron James (probable) | C Anthony Davis (probable) | PG Kendrick Nunn (out indefinitely)
Grizzlies: PF Kyle Anderson (questionable) | PF Brandon Clarke (questionable) | PG Ja Morant (out indefinitely) | SG Sam Merrill (questionable) | SF Ziaire Williams (questionable)
.@memgrizz status update: Kyle Anderson (Back Soreness) is out tonight vs @dallasmavs.
In addition, Jarrett Culver and Yves Pons are both available. https://t.co/PHcHIBhZEC
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) December 9, 2021
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies preview
Furthermore, in the Lakers’ 117-102 home win over the Celtics on Wednesday, forward LeBron James scored a team-high 30 points in 36 minutes of action. Guard Russell Westbrook added another double-double to his career total, finishing with 24 points, 3.0 rebounds and 11 assists in 36 minutes played. The Lakers outscored the Celtics 66 to 42 in the paint.
Plus, Los Angeles out-rebounded Boston 51 to 34. The team struggled to sink their three-point shots, but the C’s defense surrendered more than enough short-range jumpers. Los Angeles shot 48-for-93 (51.6%) from the floor and 8-for-27 (29.6%) from three-point range. After this decent performance at the Staples Center, the team is now 9-7 at home, 4-5 away and 4-5 ATS on the road this season.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, in the Grizzlies’ 104-96 home loss against the Mavericks, forward Jaren Jackson Jr. led his team in scoring, amassing 26 points in 34 minutes spent on the court. Forward Dillon Brooks closed out his effort with 15 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.0 assists in 33 minutes played as well. While the Grizzlies did outscore the Mavs 50 to 36 in the key, Memphis also allowed 28 fourth-quarter points.
After viewing the box-score game statistics, the Grizzlies’ shooting accuracy was dreadful throughout the course of the game. Even their free throw shooting percentage was low at 60%. They shot 36-for-90 (40%) from the field and 9-for-31 (29%) from behind the arc. As a result, the team is now 8-6 at home, 6-5 away and 8-6 ATS at home. The Grizzlies have lost their last four contests versus the Lakers.
Projected starting lineup
Lakers: PG Russell Westbrook | SG Avery Bradley | SF LeBron James | PF Talen Horton-Tucker | C Anthony Davis
Grizzlies: PG Tyus Jones | SG Desmond Bane| SF Dillon Brooks | PF Jaren Jackson Jr. | C Steven Adams
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies prediction
Additionally, the total for tonight’s Western Conference clash is set at 223. Referencing the spread consensus, 84% of bettors believe the Lakers will cover the spread at FedExForum. With respect to the point total consensus, approximately 61% of gamblers are expecting the total to go over 223. Thus far, Los Angeles is 9-6 as a favorite, 4-6 as an underdog and 4-5 ATS away, whereas Memphis is 6-5 as a favorite, 6-6 as an underdog and 8-6 ATS at home.
For much-needed betting trends, the Lakers are 3-6 ATS in their past nine performances. The total has also gone over in 10 of their last 15 games. Next, Los Angeles is 7-1 straight up in the team’s previous eight matches versus Memphis. Not to mention, the total has gone under in the Lakers’ past seven games at FedExForum. Lastly, the team is 7-0 SU in their previous seven contests versus Southwest Division opponents.
As for the Grizzlies, they are 5-1 ATS in their last six performances this season. Also, the total has gone under in four of their past five games. And, the Grizzlies are 5-1 SU in their previous six contests. Next, the team is 4-1 ATS in their last five games against Western Conference opponents. Finally, they are 4-2 SU in their past six contests played in December. Overall, contemplate picking the Lakers to win and cover the spread. To excel at handicap betting, check out our guide here at Basketball Insiders.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies betting pick
Pick the Lakers to win, they will cover the spread and the total will go over 223. Los Angeles is a four-point favorite with BetUS.
All betting lines were retrieved from BetUS. Click below to claim a free bet, if you’re a new customer.
