The Los Angeles Lakers could be getting a preview of their first-round opponent, as these two teams appear destined to clash. The Lakers and Grizzlies both have identical 44-29 records and currently sit tied for fourth in the Western Conference. Ja Morant’s latest injury has dented the title aspirations for the Grizzlies, but their balanced offense makes this a tough matchup for LeBron James and Luka Dončić.
The Lakers are coming off a pair of emotional finishes, with LeBron James giving them the buzzer-beater win on Wednesday before Josh Giddey’s half-court heave gave the Lakers a taste of their own medicine in their Thursday’s defeat. Emotions are also running high in Memphis, as the Grizzlies recently fired head coach Taylor Jenkins with less than a month remaining in the NBA season.
With both teams fighting for home-court advantage in the first round, this game carries significant weight. The Lakers’ 28-9 home record makes them a formidable postseason threat, but this matchup is a prime opportunity to prove they can still win on the road.
Matchup: Lakers vs Grizzlies Overview
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies
- Date: Saturday, March 29th, 2024
- Time: Tip-off is at 7:00 PM local time (8:00 PM EST)
- Venue: FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee
Win Probabilities:
The NBA win probabilities favor the Los Angeles Lakers for this upcoming showdown, and have given the visitors a 56.99% chance to win this NBA game. While the Lakers’ star power is difficult to overcome, the Grizzlies’ ability to defend their home court keeps them competitive, with a 43.01% chance to pull off the upset.
Projected Final Score:
Based on expert picks, analytics, and recent team performances, the projected final score for this matchup is: Los Angeles Lakers 114-110 Memphis Grizzlies.
Lakers vs Grizzlies Odds
The NBA odds have disregarded home-court advantage for this matchup and have made the Lakers favorites against the spread. Ja Morant’s injury has undoubtedly shifted the NBA odds, as the Grizzlies would likely be home favorites if he could suit up.
The Grizzlies have lost four of their last five without their superstar, and if they don’t turn things around quickly, they risk sliding into the play-in tournament. With a lower projected point total, this game is expected to be a defensive battle, and Memphis will need to defy the odds to secure a much-needed victory.
Expert Prediction: Who Wins?
Why the Los Angeles Lakers Could Win
The Los Angeles Lakers have been dominant at home this season, and this is the perfect opportunity for them to test their merit on the road. The Lakers have had an emotional week, with back-to-back games decided by buzzer-beating shots, and they will look to regain stability in Memphis.
The duo of LeBron James and Luka Dončić has the potential to be one of the greatest of all time, and this game gives the Lakers a chance to build momentum for a deep postseason run. Dončić has torched the Grizzlies over the last two seasons, scoring 30+ points in six straight games, averaging a 35/9/8 stat line. This is the first time he will be taking them on with his new team, but there is no reason to expect that the Grizzlies will have suddenly found a way to slow him down. LeBron has been the primary focus over the last few weeks, and this is a game where Dončić is poised for a scoring outburst en route to a Lakers win and cover.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies Could Win
The Memphis Grizzlies may be without Ja Morant, but they still have the firepower to pick up a crucial home victory. Jaren Jackson Jr. is a leading candidate for Defensive Player of the Year, and his development on the offensive end has transformed him into a legitimate two-way superstar. Jackson Jr. leads the team with 22.4 PPG this season while shooting a career-best 37.5% from three.
The Grizzlies have managed to stay afloat without Morant, but a recent skid has seen them slip in the standings. They are 9-13 over the last six weeks and have struggled against teams currently in playoff position. With Morant expected to return for the postseason, Memphis must start stacking wins to avoid a difficult first-round matchup on the road. The Grizzlies excel at defending the perimeter and will look to funnel the Lakers’ offense toward Jackson Jr. in the paint.
How to Make Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies Picks
To make your free NBA picks and predictions for the upcoming Los Angeles Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies game, head over to Sportzino. Not only do they provide moneyline odds, but they also offer totals, spreads, and player props for every game this season.
The extensive list of NBA odds offered will give you several options for your NBA predictions, so be sure to follow expert picks and predictions carefully before making your picks for the Saturday night matchup between the Lakers and Grizzlies.
