NBA Odds, Picks, Predictions | Grizzlies vs Lakers Betting Preview

Grizzlies vs. Lakers Odds

The Grizzlies head to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers on Tuesday night. Can the Grizzlies stop their two-game skid, or can the Lakers keep applying pressure as they try to climb the Western Conference standings?

Here are some of the ways I'm betting tonight's game.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies will continue to be without Ja Morant (suspension), Brandon Clarke (Achilles), Vince Williams Jr (shoulder), Steven Adams (knee) and Jake LaRavia (back) is Questionable. Dillion Brooks will return after his one-game suspension due to his technical fouls.

I wrote at length about the Grizzlies' winners and losers from a prop perspective in my Weekly Player Prop Forecast, but the biggest winner is Tyus Jones — let's dive into some of his props.

Jones has excelled in an expanded role both this season and last without Moran. In 10 games without Morant, Jones has averaged 33.5 minutes, 19.4 points, 3.5 rebounds, 8.1 assists, and 2.7 steals. His points prop today is set at 14.5 or 15.5; either is fine and is a number he has exceeded in seven of 10 games this season without Morant.

Additionally, DraftKings has listed both his steals and steals + blocks line at 1.5 with identical juice. While he is not a real threat for blocks with just four on the season, it makes no sense to not take the combo prop at the same price. He's recorded two or more stocks in nine of 10 without Morant.

Considering his averages and this being a Pace Up spot vs the Lakers, I threw together a Tyus Jones Same Game Parlay on DraftKings for him to record 20+ points, over 7.5 assists, and 2+ steals at +900 and think that's worth a sprinkle.

As for the on-court production without Morant, this team is not last year's that excelled in his absence. This season, the Grizzlies are just 4-6 without Morant, and they just dropped Sunday's contest to the Clippers. His Usage has increased, and he is actually a positive in Point Differential this season as the Grizzlies are +5.7 points per 100 with him on the floor.

Morant's ability to cut into the teeth of the defense is a major factor in this team's success. Without Morant in the halfcourt, I expect the Grizzlies to struggle against the Lakers' defense; however, if they are able to push in transition, they may find some more success.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers will be without LeBron James (foot) and Mo Bamba (ankle) tonight; however, they should have Anthony Davis (foot – Probable), and D'Angelo Russell (ankle – Questionable) may make his return tonight. This would provide a welcome boost for the team's perimeter shooting and offense.

The Lakers should find success on the interior tonight – Anthony Davis destroyed the Grizzlies for 28 points and 19 rebounds with 5 blocks. Now, the Grizzlies will be without Brandon Clarke, who provides a different defensive look. His rebounds prop is set at 13.5, and I would play that against this injured Grizzlies' frontcourt.

In these four games with LeBron, the Lakers' offense has stalled a bit, but their defense is allowing just 112.8 points per 100 possessions – a two-point improvement over their full-season numbers. The Lakers' improved 3-point shooting over this span (up 4% to 38.2%) is above the league average.

This has opened the floor more for the Lakers and has allowed them to find greater success on the interior as well. The Lakers should find success tonight from beyond the arc and off of live rebounds.

Grizzlies-Lakers Pick

The Lakers are 2-2 without LeBron James since he injured his foot against the Dallas Mavericks, but one of those losses was to the Grizzlies just a week ago. They simply had no answer for Ja Morant, who had a 39-point triple-double. Luckily for L.A., Morant will not suit up for tonight's game.

This is a game that sets up well for Anthony Davis because he likely will be opposed by Xavier Tillman as Memphis tries to keep Jaren Jackson Jr out of foul trouble (five fouls last game the Lakers). Davis should establish himself as the best player on the floor.

This line is short, but the Lakers should take care of business at home against this Grizzlies team that is less than whole.

Pick: Lakers -1

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