Lakers vs. Grizzlies Odds, Trends, Prediction: LA Falls Short After LeBron James Injury Update

The most recent battle between the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies came on Jan. 20, with the former rallying late to snap the latter’s 11-game winning streak.

But the floor should look a lot different tonight in the second go-around, as the Lakers will be without LeBron James, who’s likely to miss several weeks with a foot injury.

Let’s take a look at the Lakers vs. Grizzlies odds, trends, prediction, and props for this NBA on TNT matchup.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Betting Lines: Point Spread, Moneyline, Total

The Grizzlies (between -370 and -417 on the moneyline as of Tuesday afternoon) are 9- to 9.5-point home favorites against the Lakers. Bettors can grab the underdog with odds ranging from +300 to +320.

The betting public is fairly split on this one. 58% of spread tickets at DraftKings are on the Purple and Gold, while 70% of moneyline tickets are on the Griz.

The Over/Under total opened at 233.5 on legal US sports betting apps, but has dropped three whole points since then. You can find 230.5 points at most sportsbooks.

Here are the latest NBA odds for Lakers vs. Grizzlies from the best legal US sportsbooks.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Betting News

The new-look Lakers have looked really good since revamping the roster at the trade deadline. They’ve won four of their five games with their new pieces, including wins over the Golden State Warriors (twice), New Orleans Pelicans, and Dallas Mavericks.

The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are starting to pick up some steam again after enduring a rough patch from late January to early February that saw them lose eight of nine games. The team has won four of its last six matchups and now gets an easy on-paper matchup against the Lakers.

Memphis relies on its defense to make stops and get out in transition for easy looks. Their youth and fast pace are the main reason they rank first in the NBA in transition opportunities and third in fastbreak points (17.6).

However, once the fourth quarter hits, that’s when the Grizzlies play their worst brand of basketball. The game slows down in the final 12 minutes, and the team, particularly Ja Morant, becomes directionless in the half court.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Betting Trends

Los Angeles Lakers

• The Lakers are 29-31-1 against the spread (ATS) this season
• The Lakers are 14-17-1 ATS on the road 
• The Lakers are 20-23-1 ATS at the underdog
• The Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games
• The Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last five games
• The total is 31-30 on the Over in Lakers games
• The total has gone Under in five of the Lakers’ last six games

Memphis Grizzlies

• The Grizzlies are 27-30-2 ATS this season
• The Grizzlies are 18-11 ATS at home
• The Grizzlies are 24-22-2 ATS as the favorite
• The Grizzlies are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games
• The Grizzlies are 5-10 SU in their last 15 games
• The total is 25-32-2 on the Under in Grizzlies games
• The total has gone Under in 12 of the Grizzlies’ last 15 games

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Lakers vs. Grizzlies Injury Updates

Just as Los Angeles was making a strong late-season playoff push, James suffered another lower-extremity injury, this time to his right foot. He had already been dealing with left foot and ankle soreness prior to the All-Star break.

James is expected to miss at least two weeks, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The Lakers’ new starting point guard D’Angelo Russell, who’s dealing with his own ankle injury, is considered doubtful. 

Steven Adams (right knee PCL sprain) is out against the Lakers but has resumed 5-on-5 activity in practice for the Grizzlies.

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Prediction

A lot had to go right for the Lakers to rally and beat Memphis in the first meeting. Former Laker Russell Westbrook scored 29 points in that game to lead Los Angeles to victory.

The Lakers go as James goes, but with the superstar sitting tonight, Los Angeles doesn’t have someone to orchestrate the offense. The Lakers are 5-9 against the spread and straight up when James sits this season.

That being said, this is a matchup between the NBA’s best fourth-quarter team versus the worst fourth-quarter team. The Lakers will likely trail through the first three quarters, but once the fourth quarter gets underway, you’ll see Los Angeles gradually chip at the Griz’s lead only to ultimately fall short. In other words, the Lakers will come back only to cover the spread and not to win outright.

Prediction: Lakers +9

Lakers vs. Grizzlies Broadcast and Game Day Information

• Game Day: Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023
• Game Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: FedExForum | Memphis, Tennessee
• Channel: TNT

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