Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies will be looking to pull off the huge upset when they hit the road to take on LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night at the Staples Center. With the Lakers looking to kick off their post all-star break in style and the young Grizzlies looking to rebound from a defeat the last time out, let’s find out which team is offering the best value against their NBA Odds.
Grizzlies vs Lakers 2020 NBA Game Preview & Betting Odds
- When: Friday February 21, 2020, 10:30 PM ET
- Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
- TV: FSSE, SPEC
- NBA Odds: LA Lakers -11 / Total: 232.5
Why Bet On Memphis
The Grizzlies suffered a 129-125 loss at Sacramento on Thursday night while giving up an overly generous 70 first-half points.
Electrifying Rookie of the Year favorite Ja Morant finished with 19 but only dished out two assists in the loss while backup shooting guard De’Anthony Melton scored a career-best 24 points.
“Obviously, we can be a whole lot better defensively,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said afterward. “To give ourselves a chance in a tough game like this against a team that was playing at a really high level, I’m proud of our guys and we got to regroup and get to the next game.”
Despite the loss, Memphis has won seven of their last 10 games. The Grizzlies average 113.2 points per game to rank an encouraging ninth in scoring while allowing 114.7 points per game defensively (23rd). Morant is averaging 17.6 points and 7.1 assists per game while Jaren Jackson Jr. is putting up 17.1 points and 4.8 rebounds. Memphis has gone 12-14 on the road this season.
- Grizzlies are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games following a ATS loss.
- Grizzlies are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing more than 125 points in their previous game.
- Grizzlies are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
- Grizzlies are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
- Grizzlies are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 Friday games.
Why Bet On The Lakers
The Lakers are definitely well-rested. Los Angeles won three straight and five of six prior to the all-star break including a 120-116 road win over Denver on Feb. 12. The Lakers currently own the league’s second-best record while sitting four games up on Denver in the Western Conference race for first place.
“Guys come back from the All-Star break and teams pick it up and we have to do the same,” Lakers power forward Anthony Davis told reporters. “We have more than enough to make sure we win basketball games.”
The Los Angeles Lakers are averaging 114.7 points per game (7th) while allowing 107.3 points per game defensively (7th).
All-star power forward Anthony Davis is averaging a team-high 26.6 points and 9.2 rebounds while LeBron James is averaging 25 points and 10.8 assists. The Lakers have gone 18-7 at home this season.
- Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
- Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last seven home games against Memphis.
Grizzlies vs Lakers Expert Analysis and Prediction
I know the Lakers are playing at home and that they are well-rested, but I love the way the young Grizzlies have competed all season long and I believe Memphis is the relatively easy pick to cover the double-digit spread in this one. The Grizzlies are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 0 days rest and a near-perfect 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up loss. Conversely, the Lakers are an uninspiring 9-10-1 ATS in their last 20 games as a double-digit favorite. Give me Ja Morant, the Grizzlies and the points!
Pick: LA Lakers 114 Memphis 108
