The Memphis Grizzlies (17-8) and Los Angeles Lakers (13-11) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The game will broadcast live on NBA League Pass.
The Grizzlies are 4-point favorites over the Lakers on the spread (Grizzlies -4), with the over/under set at 232.5 total points. Memphis is a -180 favorite to win outright, while Los Angeles is +150 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Grizzlies vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, December 15.
Grizzlies vs. Lakers Picks, Prediction
Spread
The spread for this game has moved from Grizzlies -2.5 to Grizzlies -3.5, following the update that LeBron James will be questionable for this matchup. James has been out of the Lakers lineup since their game on December 6, making the absence now over a week.
Aside from LeBron, we have a good understanding of all the expected active players on both sides, including Austin Reaves who recently returned for Los Angeles.
I like the Grizzlies in this spot because they matchup well against the Lakers, and have lost a bunch of these matchups close in the past. I expect the Grizzlies to come out and looking to put pressure on this aging LA team that has had the upper-hand in previous bouts.
Moneyline
The moneyline on both sides is enticing.
For Grizzlies backers, it is a fair price to forego the points in what could be a close game backing a road favorite. For Lakers backers, it is a nice plus-money home underdog situation, where if LeBron is active, this could become pick'em spot, and having a plus-odds ticket becomes very enticing.
I played the Grizzlies -3 personally, but I also don't mind taking the insurance on Grizzlies moneyline or a price-boost with the Lakers at home.
Over/Under
The total for this game is set at 232.5, and the over is the only direction I would consider playing.
The Grizzlies usually play with a lineup complete of players who can put the ball on the deck and dribble to create their own look. They are not reliant on pick-and-roll handoffs, lengthy sets to get into their action, and only a few ball handlers.
The Grizzlies will usually have five players they consider to be ball handlers, and you will see less outlets to the PG in Ja Morant, and plenty of times guys like Santi Aldama will catch a rebound and start dribbling up the court. Having five scorers and attackers creates a much faster game.
On the Lakers side, they have struggled mightily on defense under Redick, however, they do get good looks on the offensive end. I expect a pace-up game, with the over being the only side I would play regarding the total.
My Pick: Grizzlies -3.5 (-115)
Grizzlies vs. Lakers Odds
| Grizzlies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4 -110 | 232.5 -110 / -110 | -180 |
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4 -110 | 232.5 -110 / -110 | +150 |
- Grizzlies vs Lakers spread: Grizzlies -4
- Grizzlies vs Lakers over/under: 232.5 points
- Grizzlies vs Lakers moneyline: Grizzlies -180, Lakers +150
- Grizzlies vs Lakers best bet: Grizzlies -3.5 (-115)
My Lakers vs. Grizzlies best bet is on Memphis to cover the spread at -3.5 (-115). But as always, be sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Grizzlies vs. Lakers Preview
LeBron being questionable for this game creates a level of uncertainty in this matchup that will yet to be sorted until shoot-around and the injury reports emerge.
I like the Grizzlies side because LeBron has not played since December 6, and we haven't heard he is close and likely to play. It has been pretty quiet, which actually speaks volumes about a LeBron James' situation.
Considering how well Memphis is playing, and that they are finally healthy at their primary positions, I expect them to play with a large effort against a team that has given them fits in the past, including a playoff series where the Lakers won as the 7th seed over the 2nd-seeded Grizzlies.
The core of these rosters have remained similar, and the Grizzlies are both feisty and fiercely competitive.
Grizzlies vs. Lakers Prediction
The Grizzlies are in a great spot for their Sunday contest against the Lakers.
Considering the schedule with the NBA Cup games, neither team has a large travel or rest discrepancy here, as the last week in the NBA has been relatively slow in terms of volume.
I expect the Grizzlies to have a bit more of an upper-hand than most road teams in this spot. I also think LeBron James remains inactive tonight, and if he does, this spread will likely move to -5.5 before tipoff.
The Grizzlies can win with LeBron active, and are likely to crush without James. So, play the -3.5 now with a chance injury news breaks in your direction.
Best Bet: Grizzlies -3.5 (-115)
Same Game Parlay Pick
- Grizzlies Moneyline (-180)
- Desmond Bane Over 20.5 Points + Assists (-120)
Parlay Payout: +145
Lakers vs. Grizzlies Betting Trends
