Mid-term report
Things could change for the Lakers after three straight losses. They appeared to be the better team at 59-58, but there are still two quarters to play. This fight is much closer than the previous duel between the two, which was decided by 27 points.
If the Lakers keep playing like this, they will increase their record to 18-18 in no time. On the other hand, the Grizzlies will have to settle for a record of 11-24 unless they turn things around (and quickly).
who plays
Memphis Grizzlies @ Los Angeles Lakers
Current records: Memphis 11-23, Los Angeles 17-18
Here’s how to watch
- When: Friday, January 5, 2024, 10 p.m. ET
- Where: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, California
- TV: ESPN
- Consequences: CBS Sports App
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Ticket price: $25.00
What you should know
The Grizzlies have three home games under their belt but will have to take off their away jerseys soon. They will face the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on Friday at 10 p.m. ET. Both teams will suffer a loss in a game they were expected to win.
Last Wednesday, Memphis was within striking distance but couldn’t close the gap as they lost 116-111 to Toronto.
Despite the loss, the Grizzlies got a solid performance from Ja Morant, who scored 28 points along with nine assists and eight rebounds. Less helpful for the Grizzlies was Marcus Smart’s abysmal 0-5 three-point shot.
Meanwhile, the Lakers’ recent rough patch got a little more difficult on Wednesday after their third straight loss. They suffered a 110-96 loss from Miami. The Lakers have discovered that it’s not easy to win when you make 12 fewer threes than your opponent.
The losing side was bolstered by Anthony Davis, who posted a double-double with 29 points and 17 rebounds. He hasn’t fallen below two blocks in four straight games. Another player who made a difference was Austin Reaves, who scored 24 points along with eight assists and five rebounds.
Memphis has had a rocky road of late, as they have lost four of their last five games, putting a noticeable dent in their 11-23 record this season. As for Los Angeles, they now have a losing record of 17-18.
In this contest, the number of possessions will likely be an important factor: the Grizzlies haven’t given up the ball easily this season, averaging just 13.7 turnovers per game. However, it’s not like the Lakers are struggling in this regard, as they only average 13.6 turnovers per game. Given these competing strengths, it will be interesting to see how their clash unfolds.
The Grizzlies will be hoping to beat the odds on Friday as experts believe they are headed for a loss. This contest may not be the best time to bet against the spread as they have let bettors down in the last five games.
opportunities
According to current data, Los Angeles is a 4-point favorite against Memphis NBA odds.
Bettors moved slightly against the Lakers as the game began with the Lakers as 5.5-point favorites.
The over/under is 227 points.
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Series story
Los Angeles has won 7 of its last 10 games against Memphis.
- November 14, 2023 – Los Angeles 134 vs. Memphis 107
- April 28, 2023 – Los Angeles 125 vs. Memphis 85
- April 26, 2023 – Memphis 116 vs. Los Angeles 99
- April 24, 2023 – Los Angeles 117 vs. Memphis 111
- April 22, 2023 – Los Angeles 111 vs. Memphis 101
- April 19, 2023 – Memphis 103 vs. Los Angeles 93
- April 16, 2023 – Los Angeles 128 vs. Memphis 112
- March 7, 2023 – Los Angeles 112 vs. Memphis 103
- February 28, 2023 – Memphis 121 vs. Los Angeles 109
- January 20, 2023 – Los Angeles 122 vs. Memphis 121
