The Los Angeles Lakers (44-29) will visit the Memphis Grizzlies (44-29) in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 8 p.m. ET from FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The game will broadcast live on NBA League Pass.
The Grizzlies are 2-point favorites over the Lakers on the spread (Grizzlies -2), with the over/under set at 238.5 total points. Memphis is a -130 favorite to win outright, while Los Angeles is +110 to pull off the upset.
The Grizzlies are in a hyped-up bounce back spot after firing Taylor Jenkins. Ja Morant has been upgraded to questionable. The Lakers are coming off of three disappointing defensive performances.
Will the Grizzlies benefit from a change of voice? Will the Lakers get back to their winning ways? Let's get into my Lakers vs. Grizzlies predictions and NBA picks for Saturday, March 29.
Lakers vs Grizzlies Prediction
My Grizzlies vs. Lakers best bet is on Memphis to cover the spread, with the best line currently available at Fanatics. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Grizzlies -2 (-110)
Lakers vs Grizzlies Odds, Spread, Picks
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2 -110 | 238.5 -110 / -110 | +110 |
| Grizzlies Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2 -110 | 238.5 -110 / -110 | -130 |
- Lakers vs. Grizzlies spread: Grizzlies -2
- Lakers vs. Grizzlies over/under: 238.5 total points
- Lakers vs. Grizzlies moneyline: Lakers +110, Grizzlies -130
- Lakers vs. Grizzlies best bet: Grizzlies -2 (-110)
Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies NBA Saturday Preview
Memphis Grizzlies
The fired-coach bump is a pretty mixed bag in the NBA, as in other sports. Since 2018, teams following an in-season firing of their head coach are 3-6 SU, 5-5 ATS. This is a different situation, however. You could clearly tell that the Grizzlies had lost connection, and a pretty strong argument that Jenkins had lost the locker room can be made. So inherently, replacing him can actually provide a boost.
Ja Morant was updated to questionable, and he is likely to play in this game. Whether Morant supported or objected to firing Jenkins, he’s likely to return with a renewed sense of purpose.
Under interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, expect the Grizzlies to run more pick-and-rolls, which ironically aren’t as effective in this one particular matchup because the Lakers switch screen those actions often. However, expect a much bigger role for Morant in his return and a lot more minutes for Zach Edey. The latter was reportedly a major issue for the front office in its decision to fire Jenkins.
Defensively, Memphis really lost something when Brandon Clarke was ruled out for the season with a PCL sprain. They’ll have to play a lot more drop coverage, especially with Edey. However, that strategy actually can work vs. Doncic because he’s not much of a mid-range pull-up shooter vs. drop coverage.
The Grizzlies’ problem with the Anthony Davis Lakers was that they couldn’t match up defensively against Davis’ size, but they were able to score. Now, the opposite should be true, where they can defend the Lakers better but may struggle to score.
Los Angeles Lakers
How about this for a trend? Luka Doncic is 11-5 in his career against the Grizzlies straight up (10-5 ATS). He has dominated them for a variety of reasons, but it’s been consistent.
They still don’t have a wing big enough to handle Doncic on the perimeter. They might have more luck defending this version of the Lakers in pick and roll, but Doncic may just isolate against the Grizzlies’ smaller wings.
The Grizzlies still want to push pace and get out in transition, but the Lakers are top-10 in transition defense. It’s not a great recipe for their strengths and weaknesses.
Lakers vs Grizzlies Betting Predictions
I’m less interested in Memphis’s motivational spot (but it helps) than I am in the changes in the team’s makeup under Iisalo. Edey is likely to get more minutes. I’m expecting a big bounceback from Morant, and while I still think the Lakers are the better team, I like Memphis’s spot.
I also lean Over. Memphis has slowed down considerably in pace over the last month, and it’s likely that under Iisalo they will pick that back up. With the Lakers recent defensive slide, and some lingering questions about Memphis’ defense jumping back immediately to elite form, I like the Over at 238.5 here.
Lakers vs Grizzlies Best Bet
- Grizzlies -2 (-110)
Lakers vs Grizzlies Parlay Picks
- Ja Morant Over 20.5 Points
- Over 238.5
- Grizzlies -2
Parlay Payout: +430
Grizzlies vs. Lakers Betting Trends
