The Memphis Grizzlies (16-16) head to Staples Center to meet the Los Angeles Lakers (19-13). The Grizzlies are 6-point underdogs and will attempt to snap their five-game losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 207.5 points and it starts at 9:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, December 23, 2018.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds
In the Lakers’ last game, they were victorious over the New Orleans Pelicans, 112-104, covering as 5-point favorites. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, were beat by the Sacramento Kings, 102-99, and failed to cover as 2-point underdogs. The Los Angeles game finished 19.5 points under the projected point total of 235.5, while the Memphis game finished 10.5 points under the projected point total of 211.5.
The Lakers knocked down 18 of their 25 free throws (72.0 percent) and held the Pelicans to an effective field goal percentage of 0.471 (below their season average of 0.534). Memphis, meanwhile, made 16 of their 32 three pointers (50.0 percent). LeBron James played well for Los Angeles, accumulating 22 points, 14 assists and 12 rebounds on his way to his second triple-double of the season. Meanwhile, Mike Conley fueled Memphis with 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
In their first matchup this season, Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers to a 111-88 win. He put up 20 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists. The two teams combined to score 199 points, which was under the projected point total of 208.5, and Los Angeles covered as a 3-point underdog. Los Angeles’ rebounding was their largest advantage. The Lakers had 19 offensive rebounds and 57 total rebounds, while the Grizzlies had nine and 36, respectively.
Games involving the Grizzlies have typically finished under the total (59.4 percent). Memphis comes into the contest with records of 16-16 straight up (SU) and 16-16 against the spread (ATS).
Games featuring the Lakers also tend to go under the total (59.4 percent). Additionally, Los Angeles owns records of 19-13 SU and 13-18-1 ATS.
Conflicting styles will be on display in this matchup. Los Angeles likes to play fast (second in possessions per game), while Memphis is more half-court-oriented (30th in possessions per game).
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers ATS Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Grizzlies, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Lakers rank 16 in three pointers attempted per game (31.125) while the Grizzlies rank 26 (27.40625).
- Memphis ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.8) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (51.6).
- The Grizzlies rank fourth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Lakers rank 22nd (8.1).
- Memphis blocks 6.2 opponent shots per game, which is ranked second in the league. Los Angeles ranks 18th in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
- Memphis ranks 5 in second chance points allowed per game (11.65625) while Los Angeles ranks 20 (13.75).
- The Lakers average 20.2 fast break points per game, which ranks second in the NBA. The Grizzlies rank 25th in fast break points allowed per game (15.1).
- The Grizzlies average 18.34375 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 8 in the NBA. The Lakers rank 23 in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.71875).
- Los Angeles ranks ninth in rebounds per game (46.2) while Memphis ranks last (39.6).
- In games where they allow below 100 points, Memphis is 8-3 and Los Angeles is 6-0.
- The Lakers are 18-12 when they reach the century mark, while the Grizzlies are 11-4.
- Memphis is 7-10 ATS on the road, while Los Angeles is 7-8-1 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 11 of the Grizzlies’ 17 road games, while 11 of the Lakers’ 16 home games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Lakers are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Grizzlies are 0-5.
- In their last five games, Los Angeles has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Memphis has 3 unders, 1 over and 1 push.
- The Lakers have been outscored by an average of 0.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Los Angeles has defeated opponents by an average of 1.8 points.
- During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 95.6 points per game (6.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 103.2 points per game (0.9 above their season average).
