The Los Angeles Lakers have not gotten out to the kind of start that the team was hoping for in the 2021-22 season. After dropping all six preseason games, the Lakers have lost to both the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns to start the season.
The Lakers have a bit of a break in the third game of the season as they are taking on the Memphis Grizzlies. While the Grizzlies are 2-0 on the young season it is safe to say that they are not as big of a challenge as the Warriors and Suns, both of which could be in the Western Conference Finals.
While it is too early to panic about the Lakers, they have to get in the win column. It is not a great visual to not only be 0-2 but to already have altercations on the bench between teammates.
The one silver lining is that we have been picking against the Lakers knowing that they would have a slow start and are 2-0 against the spread this year. Can the Lakers get in the win column and also cover the spread?
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Grizzlies odds, spread, over/under:
According to WynnBET, the Los Angeles Lakers are five-point favorites at home against the Grizzlies. The Lakers have been tabbed as -200 moneyline favorites while the Grizzlies are +175 underdogs. The over/under for the game has been set at 225 points.
The Grizzlies have beaten the Cavaliers and Clippers and are taking a step up in competition in this game. The Clippers without Kawhi Leonard are a bottom-seed playoff team. The Cavaliers will be competing for the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Grizzlies prediction:
The Lakers, while 0-2, are 100% the toughest challenge the Grizzlies have faced. Not only do the Lakers present the toughest challenge but the Grizzlies are also playing on the second leg of a back-to-back.
With that being said, I have to go with the Lakers in this game to narrowly cover the six-point spread. It isn’t much of a conversation of it they will win or not, it is if they will cover that spread. They will, but just barely.
My official picks are Los Angeles Lakers -5 and over 225 points. The final score of the game will be Los Angeles Lakers 117, Memphis Grizzlies 111.
Lakers vs. Grizzlies TV channel:
This game is not nationally televised so those in the Los Angeles area can watch the game on Spectrum SportsNet. Memphis-area Laker fans can watch the game on Bally Sports Southeast-Memphis.
Lakers next game and schedule:
The Los Angeles Lakers hit the road for the team’s first road trip and back-to-back of the season. The Lakers will be in San Antonio to take on the Spurs on Tuesday and then will be in OKC to take on the Thunder on Wednesday.
The Lakers return home on Friday to host the Cleveland Cavaliers.