The Los Angeles Lakers’ season is picking up steam after a promising start and JJ Redick’s men could have more problems tonight against the surging Memphis Grizzlies.

With a LeBron James-shaped cloud hanging over this LA team, my Grizzlies vs. Lakers predictions are in line with Memphis even if No. 23 returns.

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

Grizzlies vs Lakers Prediction

My best choice
Yes 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. During Memphis’ recent winning streak, his dynamic scoring and playmaking have been on full display, and I don’t think he’ll pass up this opportunity to cause even more headaches for the Los Angeles Lakers.

All of Ja’s props here represent good value for money, but I’m confident in his rating.

Morant has scored 60 points in his last two appearances while hitting 7 of 12 from 3-point range, and he has exceeded that O/U number in four of his last six contests. He may not have quite reached his pre-controversy peak, but he’s close.

Regardless of whether LeBron James plays or not, the Lakers have struggled to get ahead of crafty guards like Morant, and they’ve given up 31 point games to Tyler Herro and Trae Young this month. Even the presence of Anthony Davis can’t cover up all the costly defensive failures on the perimeter.

Additionally, the Grizzlies’ ability to exit in transition is a nightmare for LA. At Crypto.com Arena, we witnessed an avalanche of points from the league’s highest-scoring offense (122.6 points per game), and the visitors quickly moved past the 125-point mark in three consecutive contests.

Morant is the head of the snake for a Memphis team in the midst of a major rebounding season, and I’m betting on a full-strength offensive performance tonight in a building where he has a long history.

Same parlay between Grizzlies and Lakers

Yes Morant Over 22.5 points

Grizzlies -4.5

Austin Reaves over 2.5 threes

I’m buying the points with the Grizzlies and doubling my lead on a statement game from Morant & Co. In addition to a four-game winning streak, they have a record of 9-1 in their last 10 games while losing to them 8-2 the spread.

With Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane alongside Ja, Memphis keeps the scoring balanced and plays with the speed that makes LA a faceoff. The visitors have also found their momentum on the road, including an eye-catching win over the Boston Celtics last week.

But I’ll still take a Lakers prop for my SGP. Austin Reaves was back on the court 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 when LeBron is limited or ruled out, and I predict at least three triples tonight.

Reaves is shooting 36% from distance and could have an easier night with Memphis’ Marcus Smart (questionable) sidelined with knee problems. If there’s likely a bright spot for LA here, it’s Reaves.

Learn how to place a bet in the same game 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)
• Money line: Memphis -160 | Los Angeles +135
• Over/Under: Over 228 (-110) | Under 228 (-110)

Odds courtesy of bet365

Grizzlies vs. Lakers distribution and over/under analysis

• The Grizzlies are deserved away favorites against a Lakers team that has lost four of its last five games, with the only win coming against the struggling Portland Trail Blazers.
• LA is 8-3 at home but has lost two of its last three games at Crypto.com Arena.
• The over is 17-9 for Memphis this year and has been a game-winner in six consecutive meetings between these teams, including LA’s 128-123 victory in November.
• The Under is 8-2 in the Lakers’ last 10 games, and the hosts have failed to break the 100-point mark in four of their last seven games.

Grizzlies vs Lakers trending

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

How to watch Grizzlies vs. Lakers

Grizzlies vs. Lakers recent injuries

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