Grizzlies vs. Lakers: NBA odds, Picks and Predictions
Grizzlies vs. Lakers Odds
| Grizzlies Odds | *-6 |
| Lakers Odds | +6 |
| Over/Under | 244 |
| Date | Fri, Jan. 20 |
| Time | 10:00 p.m. |
| TV | ESPN |
ESPN’s Wednesday night NBA double-header will conclude with a matchup between the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Lakers in Hollywood. Entering play, Memphis owns the longest winning streak in the league, with 11 victories in a row. Los Angeles owns the third-worst record in the Western Conference and is coming off of a 116-111 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday. Ahead of tip-off oddsmakers have Memphis priced as 6-point road favorites on the spread.
Memphis Grizzlies
11 in a row
The Grizzlies have not lost a basketball game since December 27, winning each of their last 11 contests. However, they have played only three teams above .500 in that span. They beat the New Orleans Pelicans (26-19) by 15 points, the Sacramento Kings (25-18) by 10 points, and the Cleveland Cavaliers (28-18) by one point – each of those wins coming at home.
Despite winning 11 games in a row, their soft recent schedule makes it a legitimate question to ask – how impressive are the Grizzlies?
Inconsistent on the road
Memphis owns the second-best record at home of any team in the NBA, at 20-3. Yet, they are only 11-10 in games played outside of the FedExForum. Playing at home, the Grizzlies lead the league in Net Rating, outscoring their opponents by 11.0 points per 100 possessions. On the road, Memphis has been outscored this year.
Los Angeles Lakers
Davis OUT
Anthony Davis will be on the sidelines once again for the Lakers this evening, having last played on December 16. In his absence, Los Angeles is 8-9 overall, ranking 18th out of 30 teams in Net Rating.
Despite missing one of their stars, the Lakers have continued to be competitive on a nightly basis, nearly pulling upsets against the Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, and Dallas Mavericks in the last week. In those three losses, Los Angeles has lost the first four quarters by a combined five points. Earlier this month, the Lakers upset the Miami Heat 112-109 on their home floor on a night in which both LeBron James and Davis were out of the lineup.
James playing at an elite level
In December, James averaged 31.2 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. He has been even better in January, averaging 34.9 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.6 assists. In the last seven games that James has played, Los Angeles is 4-3 overall, with their three losses coming by a combined 10 points – the largest individual loss coming by five points.
Grizzlies vs. Lakers – Picks & Predictions
Though the Los Angeles Lakers are below .500 without Davis in the lineup across the last month, they have a number of near-misses against strong opponents. Tonight, they will host the Memphis Grizzlies, a team that needed a last-second shot in their most recent game against a short-handed Cleveland team to extend their league-best winning streak.
This is a prime opportunity for the Lakers to secure an upset victory, playing an opponent that is coming off of an emotional win on their home floor, only to travel to the other side of the country for a game against a Los Angeles team that is currently sitting outside of a playoff spot.
If looking for a little bit of risk to start your weekend, take a stab on LeBron James and company at home tonight.
PICK: Lakers ML (+205, Wynn)