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Game Preview: Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies
The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Memphis Grizzlies Friday night at FedExForum to open NBA Cup group play. Both teams enter at 3-2 after earning one-point wins Wednesday — the Lakers edged Minnesota 116-115 behind Austin Reaves’ floater, while Ja Morant delivered Memphis a 114-113 road win in Phoenix.
The storylines couldn’t be more parallel. The Lakers are thriving without LeBron James (sciatica) and Luka Doncic (leg, finger), while Memphis continues to battle through absences of Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, and Scotty Pippen Jr. Yet both squads have found ways to win late — and they’ll meet in a key early test in West Group B play.
For updated Cup standings and real-time movement, see the NBA scores and odds page and the NBA expert betting guide.
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Line Movement and Odds
Memphis opened as a 2.5-point home favorite, with the total set at 236. The Grizzlies have momentum behind Ja Morant’s late-game heroics, but bettors have been quick to back the shorthanded Lakers, who have covered in two straight.
For broader Cup outlooks, visit the NBA Western Conference odds breakdown and NBA Pacific Division predictions.
Los Angeles Lakers Outlook
Despite missing both superstars, Los Angeles continues to deliver behind the sensational play of Austin Reaves. He’s averaging 40 points and 10 assists over his last three games — joining Jerry West and Magic Johnson as the only Lakers to post 170+ points and 50+ assists over any five-game stretch.
Reaves posted 28 points and 16 assists in the win over Minnesota, while Jake LaRavia — a former Grizzlies wing — erupted for 27 points on 10-of-11 shooting. The Lakers’ offensive efficiency remains elite, ranking second in the league in field goal percentage (52.5%) and sixth in free throws made per game (24).
The defense remains inconsistent, but their balanced scoring has helped offset the absences. With Reaves orchestrating the attack, Los Angeles continues to play unselfishly, averaging 31 assists per game, good for third in the NBA.
Lakers Injury Report
- LeBron James (F) – Out (Sciatica)
- Luka Doncic (G) – Doubtful (Finger, leg)
- Anthony Davis (F/C) – Probable (Ankle)
- Rui Hachimura (F) – Questionable (Knee)
Dive deeper into team trends in the NBA Most Improved Player odds predictions, where Reaves has surged into early contention.
Memphis Grizzlies Outlook
The Grizzlies showed grit in Wednesday’s 114-113 win at Phoenix, where Ja Morant dropped 28 points and sealed the victory with a last-second floater. Rookie Cedric Coward continued to impress off the bench, scoring 14 points, while Santi Aldama posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Memphis averages 120.4 points per game (10th in NBA) and thrives in transition with the league’s third-fastest pace (104.8 possessions). Their free-throw production — 24.4 per game, fifth-best in the league — has been key in late-game situations.
However, turnovers (17 per game) and streaky perimeter shooting have limited their ceiling early. If they can maintain composure offensively and slow down Reaves, the Grizzlies should capitalize on home-court advantage.
Grizzlies Injury Report
- Zach Edey (C) – Out (Ankle)
- Ty Jerome (G) – Out (Calf)
- Scotty Pippen Jr. (G) – Out (Toe)
- Marcus Smart (G) – Probable (Knee)
For Cup-related insights, check the NBA Southwest Division odds predictions, where Memphis remains a dark-horse pick.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
- Ja Morant vs Austin Reaves: Two elite playmakers in different molds — Morant’s explosive slashing versus Reaves’ composed creation — headline this matchup.
- Bench Depth: Memphis’ 42 bench points in Phoenix highlight its resilience, while L.A.’s LaRavia-led second unit is finding rhythm.
- Turnovers: Memphis must limit giveaways to avoid fueling Lakers fast breaks.
Betting Trends
- Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last five games.
- Grizzlies are 6-2 ATS in their last eight home games.
- Over is 7-3 in L.A.’s last ten games.
- Memphis has covered four straight against Pacific Division opponents.
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Prediction
This matchup features two of the league’s hottest guards in Reaves and Morant, both capable of taking over late. Expect a high-paced contest with plenty of scoring swings, but the Lakers’ efficiency and Reaves’ leadership should keep them within striking distance.
Projected Score: Grizzlies 118, Lakers 117
Best Bet: Lakers +2.5
Total Lean: Over 236
Scores and Stats Handicappers
Track verified NBA Cup predictions, ATS trends, and expert models on the Scores and Stats Handicappers page. Stay updated with performance metrics, ROI data, and live Cup betting analysis from top NBA analysts.
