Neither the Memphis Grizzlies nor the Los Angeles Lakers has lit the world on fire as of late, but someone’s got to get a win when the teams clash at Crypto.com Arena tonight.
Injuries and lack of offensive firepower have been problematic for Los Angeles, and my Grizzlies vs. Lakers predictions call for the visiting team to cover a small spread.
Here are my best free NBA picks for this Western Conference matchup on Friday, January 2.
Grizzlies vs Lakers prediction
Grizzlies vs Lakers best bet: Memphis Grizzlies +4 (-110)
The Los Angeles Lakers have played poorly as of late, dropping four of their last five games and going just 1-5 ATS across their previous six.
The Memphis Grizzlies have dropped two straight and four of six, but they have covered the spread three times in that span.
Over the last 10 games, the Grizzlies rank ninth in defensive rating at 112.7 and 13th in offensive rating at 116.5. Conversely, the Lakers rank 20th in offensive rating (113.3) and 29th in defensive rating (121.9).
The Grizzlies’ 3.8 net rating is the ninth-best in the Association over the last 10 games, while the Lakers’ -8.6 net rating ranks 28th.
Ja Morant is available and playing good basketball, and Memphis is getting good minutes from its starters and role players.
Luka Doncic continues to deliver with monster stat lines, but LeBron James’ performances have been hit-or-miss, and the absence of Rui Hachimura and especially Austin Reaves has been glaring.
Based on health and each team’s recent form, I’m taking the visiting team and the points in this one.
Grizzlies vs Lakers same-game parlay
The Lakers have hit the Over in 12 of 14 home games, good for the highest home Over percentage in the Association. Conversely, the Grizzlies have gone Under in 12 of 17 road matchups, good for the highest Under percentage.
The Lakers' offense has struggled as of late, while Memphis' defense has improved. I'll bet on a low-scoring game, as the Grizzlies limit a sputtering offensive attack.
Despite the return of Morant, Cam Spencer continues to facilitate at a high level off the bench. Across his last 11 games (three starts), Spencer has averaged 7.1 assists, hitting the Over eight times. He's averaged eight dimes on the road in that span, handing out 6+ assists in each of his last five away games.
Grizzlies vs Lakers SGP
- Memphis Grizzlies +4
- Under 240.5
- Cam Spencer Over 5.5 assists
Our "from downtown" SGP: Doncic Crashes the Glass!
Doncic has recorded five rebounds in each of his last four games, but he's reached nine boards in 12 of 24 appearances on the season. That includes seven of 13 games at home.
Doncic finished with 12 rebounds in his first matchup with Memphis, and the Grizzlies have allowed the fifth-most rebounds across the last nine games without Zach Edey.
Grizzlies vs Lakers SGP
- Memphis Grizzlies +4
- Under 240.5
- Cam Spencer Over 5.5 assists
- Luka Doncic Over 8.5 rebounds
Grizzlies vs Lakers odds
- Spread: Grizzlies +4 (-115) | Lakers -4 (-105)
- Moneyline: Grizzlies +140 | Lakers -165
- Over/Under: Over 240.5 (-110) | Under 240.5 (-110)
Grizzlies vs Lakers betting trend to know
The Memphis Grizzlies have hit the Game Total Under in 24 of their last 34 away games (+13.00 Units / 35% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Lakers.
How to watch Grizzlies vs Lakers
| Location | Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Friday, January 2, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN SE-MEM, SPECSN |
Grizzlies vs Lakers latest injuries
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