Analysis and Predictions for Lakers vs Grizzlies Matchup, Including Top Prop Bets

• The Memphis Grizzlies are 2.5-point home favorites Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers
• Both teams enter with identical 44-29 records as they battle for playoff positioning in the West
• See my Lakers vs Grizzlies predictions, player props, and odds on March 29

Two teams in the Western Conference playoff logjam collide Saturday night when the LA Lakers (44-29, 16-20 away) visit the Memphis Grizzlies (44-29, 25-11 home). Both teams have identical records, with the Lakers sitting in fourth and Memphis right behind them in fifth. If the playoffs started today, this would be a first-round matchup.

Action gets underway from FedExForum in Memphis, TN beginning at 8pm ET, with Spectrum Sports Net + broadcasting the game. With both teams struggling, the books are siding with the home team in the NBA odds.

Lakers vs Grizzlies Odds

Memphis finds itself as a slight 2.5-point home favorites, including a short -142 on the moneyline. The total checks in at 237.5 points, with -110 sides on either side. The Over has hit in six of the last seven head-to-head matchups.

Odds as of March 29 at FanDuel. Be sure to check out the best FanDuel promo code before placing a bet on any NBA game on Saturday night.

A couple of big question marks lurk for both teams ahead of Saturday’s tip. Ja Morant (hamstring) has missed the last six games for the Grizzlies, and is listed as questionable. Backup big Marvin Bagley III (concussion) is also questionable.

For the Lakers, guard Austin Reaves (ankle) is also questionable. He led the team in scoring in Thursday’s 119-117 loss to the Bulls with 30 points. He’s been averaging 23.6 points on 48% shooting from the field through the month of March.

LAL vs MEM Player Props

NBA player props from Bet365 on March 29.

Luka Doncic leads all the scoring props and is the only player to crack the 30-point plateau with a 30.5 scoring line. LeBron James has the second-highest prop at 24.5, but he’s gone Under that total in five straight games. He has been working himself back into shape after a groin injury.

Ja Morant’s 21.5 scoring line means the books feel he’s likely to get into the lineup. He shares the Grizzlies’ top scoring total with Jaren Jackson Jr., who has scored 22 or more in two of his last three outings.

Luka and LeBron tie for the highest rebounding at 8.5, while Luka sits alone with the highest 3-point make line at 3.5.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies Picks

• Lakers vs Grizzlies pick: Lakers +2.5 (-110)
• Lakers vs Grizzlies prop bet: James Over xx.x points (-120)

Los Angeles comes into Saturday having dropped four of its last five, and they’ve been swinging the emotional pendulum hard the last couple of games.

Wednesday in Indiana, LeBron James tipped in a Luka Doncic miss at the buzzer, giving LA a wild 120-119 win.

The very next night, a crazy final sequence ended with a Josh Giddey half-court heave to beat the buzzer, giving the Bulls a 119-117 win in a game they were trailing by five with 15 second to play.

Defense has been a major problem for the Lakers, who have allowed 124 points per game over the last five, ranking 27th in the league over that span.

Their problems, however, pale in comparison to the shakeup in Memphis, where the Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins Friday, after the team dropped a 125-104 decision to the OKC Thunder, sending Memphis to its fifth loss in seven games.

The shakeup seems like a desperate move for a team that is a lock for postseason play, with assistant Tuomas Iisalo assuming the duties in the interim for the rest of the season.

Jenkins didn’t have Morant for the last six games as well, and his health should be the biggest help, as Memphis’ last nine games have few soft landing spots, with only one non-playoff team in the mix, and six Top-6 teams still to go.

Memphis’ problem is the defensive side, where they’re right behind the Lakers in points allowed at 120.6 over the last five games — a little too tight for team second in the league in scoring needing to outscore its problems.

Normally, I’m all in on a new coach momentum and jolt. But the timing tells me this is a unit that’s a little disjointed. Even a team that’s struggling like the Lakers should be able to exploit this mess.

The Los Angeles Lakers are set to take on the Memphis Grizzlies in what promises to be an exciting matchup between two talented teams. As we look ahead to this game, let’s take a closer look at some key factors that could impact the outcome and some top prop bets to consider.

Analysis:

The Lakers are coming off a strong performance in their last game, with LeBron James leading the way with a triple-double. Anthony Davis has also been playing well, providing a strong inside presence for the team. However, the Lakers have struggled at times this season with consistency, particularly on the defensive end.

On the other hand, the Grizzlies have been playing solid basketball as of late, with Ja Morant leading the way as one of the top young point guards in the league. The Grizzlies have a balanced scoring attack and have shown the ability to compete with some of the top teams in the league.

In terms of matchups, the battle between LeBron James and Ja Morant will be one to watch. Both players are dynamic playmakers who can take over a game at any moment. The Lakers will need to contain Morant’s speed and playmaking ability, while the Grizzlies will need to find a way to slow down James and Davis.

Predictions:

This game has the potential to be a close one, with both teams having the talent to come out on top. The Lakers will likely have the edge due to their experience and star power, but the Grizzlies have shown that they can compete with anyone on any given night.

As for some top prop bets to consider for this matchup:

– Over/Under on total points scored: With both teams having potent offenses, this could be a high-scoring affair. Look for the over on total points scored in this game.

– Player prop bet: LeBron James triple-double. James has been filling up the stat sheet lately and could be a good bet to record a triple-double in this game.

– Team prop bet: Lakers to win by 5 points or more. The Lakers have the talent to pull away in this game, so betting on them to win by a margin of 5 points or more could be a good bet.

Overall, this Lakers vs Grizzlies matchup promises to be an exciting one, with plenty of star power and potential for high-scoring action. Keep an eye on key matchups and consider some of these top prop bets as you watch the game unfold.