The Los Angeles Lakers season is spiraling after a promising start, and there could be more pain ahead for J.J. Redick’s men against the surging Memphis Grizzlies tonight. 

With a LeBron James-shaped cloud hanging over this L.A. team, my Grizzlies vs. Lakers predictions side with Memphis, even if No.23 returns.

Read on for my NBA picks ahead of this tasty Sunday, December 15 showdown, including a spotlight on the visitors’ marquee star.

Grizzlies vs Lakers prediction

My best bet
Ja Morant Over 22.5 points (-110 at bet365)

My analysis
If Ja Morant continues to play at this level, the Memphis Grizzlies will be a problem for the rest of the Western Conference. His dynamic scoring and playmaking have been on full display during Memphis’ current hot streak, and I don’t see him passing up this opportunity to add to the Los Angeles Lakers’ headaches.

All of Ja’s props offer good value here, but I feel most confident about his scoring.

Morant has scored 60 points across his last two outings, going 7-for-12 from 3-point range, and he’s cruised past this O/U number in four of his past six contests. He may not quite be back to his pre-controversy peak, but he’s close.

Whether LeBron James plays or not, the Lakers have struggled to stay in front of crafty guards like Morant, and they’ve given up 31-point games to Tyler Herro and Trae Young this month. Even Anthony Davis’ presence can’t paper over all the costly defensive breakdowns on the perimeter.

Plus, the Grizzlies’ ability to get out in transition is a nightmare for L.A. We could see an avalanche of points at Crypto.com Arena from the league’s top-scoring offense (122.6 ppg), and the visitors have blitzed their way past the 125-point mark in three straight contests.

Morant is the head of the snake for a Memphis team in the midst of a major bounce-back season, and I’m banking on a full-force offensive performance tonight in a building where he has plenty of history.

Grizzlies vs Lakers same-game parlay

Ja Morant Over 22.5 points

Grizzlies -4.5

Austin Reaves Over 2.5 threes

I’m laying the points with the Grizzlies and doubling down on a statement game from Morant & Co. In addition to a four-game winning streak, they’ve posted a 9-1 mark in their last 10 while going 8-2 against the spread.

Memphis brings balanced scoring, with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane alongside Ja, and plays with the kind of pace that gives L.A. fits. The visitors have also found a groove on the road, including an eye-catching win over the Boston Celtics last week.

But I’m still taking a Lakers prop for my SGP. Austin Reaves was back on the court on Friday after missing five games with a pelvic injury, and he knocked down four of his eight 3-pointers in the loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. There’s extra volume for him if LeBron is limited or ruled out, and I’m predicting at least three triples tonight.

Reaves is shooting 36% from beyond the arc and could be in for an easier night if Memphis’ Marcus Smart (questionable) sits out with a knee issue. If there’s likely to be a bright spot here for L.A., Reaves is it.

Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.

Grizzlies vs Lakers odds

Grizzlies vs Lakers live odds

Grizzlies vs Lakers opening odds

• Spread: Memphis -3.5 (-110) | Los Angeles +3.5 (-110)
• Moneyline: Memphis -160 | Los Angeles +135
• Over/Under: Over 228 (-110) | Under 228 (-110)

Odds courtesy of bet365

Grizzlies vs Lakers spread and Over/Under analysis

• The Grizzlies are deserving road favorites against a Lakers team that’s lost four of its past five, with the only win coming against the struggling Portland Trail Blazers.
• L.A. is 8-3 at home but has dropped two of its last three at Crypto.com Arena.
• The Over is 17-9 for Memphis this year, and it’s been a winning ticket in six straight meetings between these teams, including L.A.’s 128-123 victory in November.
• The Under is 8-2 in the Lakers’ last 10 games, and the hosts have failed to crack the 100-point mark in four of their past seven outings.

Grizzlies vs Lakers trend

The Grizzlies have hit the 1H moneyline in 23 of their last 33 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Lakers.

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