The Memphis Grizzlies (19-53) clash against the Los Angeles Lakers (31-40) at FedExForum. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 24, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – Southeast.
Los Angeles opened as a 4.5-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 217 points.
Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies Free Prediction
The last time the Lakers played, they were defeated by the New Orleans Pelicans, 128-125. New Orleans’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over Los Angeles. The Pelicans had a rate of 6.3 (better than their season average of 13.0), while the Lakers posted a mark of 13.9. Los Angeles’ Julius Randle put together a solid performance, recording 23 points and 10 rebounds.
The Grizzlies were blown out by the Charlotte Hornets in their last outing, 140-79. Charlotte’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Memphis. The Hornets had a rate of 7.2 (better than their season average of 11.0), while the Grizzlies posted a mark of 17.9 (above their season average of 13.5). With 16 points and seven rebounds, Memphis’ Tyreke Evans had a good performance.
Conflicting tempos will be on display in this matchup. Los Angeles prefers a fast-breaking style of play (first in possessions per game), while Memphis is more half-court-oriented (30th in possessions per game).
Los Angeles comes into the game with records of 31-40 straight up (SU) and 37-33-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Lakers games, with 38 overs compared to 33 unders.
Meanwhile, Memphis is 19-53 SU and 29-40-3 ATS. Unlike Los Angeles, Grizzlies games have a slight tendency to finish under the O/U total (54.2 percent).
Randle and Brook Lopez have played well over the last five games for Los Angeles. Randle has averaged 26.0 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game. Not to be outdone, Lopez has recorded 20.0 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocks a game during that span.
The Grizzlies have won two out of three against the Lakers this season, including a 123-114 victory the last time these teams met. Memphis covered as a 4-point favorite and the game finished with a total of 237 points, which was 33 points above the projected point total of 204 points. Memphis did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (29-34; 85.3 percent). Los Angeles, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (10.6 vs. 15.7). Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored a game-high 27 points.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Los Angeles is 18-18-1 ATS with 21 overs and 16 unders.
At home, Memphis is 15-21-1 ATS with 24 unders and 13 overs.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Los Angeles is 11-4 and Memphis is 12-11.
The Lakers are 28-26 when they reach 100 points, while the Grizzlies are 14-22.
Memphis ranks second in points allowed in the paint per game (41.7) while Los Angeles ranks last (49.0).
The Lakers rank second in rebounds per game (46.3) while the Grizzlies rank 28th (40.7).
Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (17.3) while Memphis ranks 26th in fast break points allowed per game (14.0).
The Lakers rank second in second chance points per game (14.5) while the Grizzlies rank 21st (11.5).
Los Angeles ranks seventh in assists per game (23.8) while Memphis ranks 26th (21.4).
The Grizzlies average 4.9 blocks per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. The Lakers rank 28th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
Memphis ranks 11th in points off turnovers per game (16.8) while Los Angeles ranks 26th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.5).
The Lakers average 7.9 steals per game, which ranks 12th in the league. The Grizzlies rank 21st in steals allowed per game (8.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Los Angeles is 1-3-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Memphis is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Lakers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.2, up from 1.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Grizzlies have scored an average of 102.0 points per game (3.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 116.4 points per game (11.5 above their season average).
*****
