Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview (1/20/23): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds
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On Friday night, Memphis will look to set a franchise record with its 12th-straight win when it heads to Los Angeles to take on LeBron James and the Lakers.
Our full, in-depth analysis, betting picks, and predictions are below, as well as injury news surrounding Anthony Davis and projected starting lineups for both teams.
Memphis Grizzlies Vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds
The Memphis Grizzlies are 6.5-point road favorites against the Lakers. Memphis has its entire roster healthy, save Danny Green; however, even Green should be set to return in the next month or two.
Los Angeles will be without Lonnie Walker IV, Austin Reaves, and Anthony Davis, but all of those players are nearing a return at some point in the coming weeks.
Memphis Grizzlies Vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction
Few teams have had a stronger stretch than the Memphis Grizzlies in their past 11 games, all of which resulted in wins.
Memphis tied its franchise record for consecutive wins on Wednesday night at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers and now has an opportunity to set a new record against the Lakers.
During that span, Memphis has boasted a ludicrous 12.2 net rating, including a league-best 108.5 defensive rating. The Grizzlies are an elite defensive team with Dillon Brooks and Jaren Jackson Jr wreaking havoc in the half-court.
Both of those players have a legitimate opportunity to be named to the All-Defensive First Team this season if they keep this effort up.
Meanwhile, LeBron James has literally put the Los Angeles Lakers on his back recently. Since turning 38 years old, LeBron has played in seven games and averaged roughly 35 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists during that stretch.
We are witnessing history, and James has still shown no signs of slowing up. This is great news for the Lakers, who will hopefully have Anthony Davis back in the lineup soon.
Regardless, this matchup favors the Grizzlies quite a bit. Memphis has been inconsistent in the half-court all season long, but the Lakers will likely want to play up-tempo, which is the Grizzlies’ bread and butter.
Los Angeles plays at the third-fastest pace in the NBA, but, unfortunately, that plays right into Memphis’ strengths. Memphis should win this game and set a new franchise record for consecutive wins.
Betting Trends
- Memphis is 8-12-1 ATS on the road in 2022-23
- Los Angeles is 11-11 ATS at home in 2022-23
- The combined over record of these two teams is 47-40-2 in 2022-23
Key Matchups
Dillon Brooks has one of the toughest assignments in the NBA on Friday night when the Grizzlies travel to Los Angeles and battle LeBron and the Lakers. Brooks and James make up our key matchup in this exciting matchup!
Dillon Brooks vs. LeBron James
Many people, particularly Grizzlies fans, are calling for Dillon Brooks to get the respect he deserves on the defensive end this season; they want him to get an All-Defensive First-Team nod.
Brooks is one of the most antagonizing perimeter defenders in the league. He has it all: toughness, nastiness, length, height, strength, anticipatory skills, and lateral quickness.
No matter what any player says, they can’t possibly enjoy going up against Brooks.
However, if there’s any player that doesn’t mind this matchup as much as other players, it would be LeBron James. James boasts the necessary strength, skill, and IQ to mitigate Brooks’ impact on the defensive end.
Since turning 38 years old, LeBron has been insanely good, averaging close to 35 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists . James also knows how to draw fouls on a player like Brooks, who has been prone to silly fouls on occasion throughout his career. Advantage: LeBron.
Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup
PG: Ja Morant
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr
C: Steven Adams
Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineups
PG: Dennis Schroder
SG: Patrick Beverley
SF: Troy Brown Jr
PF: LeBron James
C: Thomas Bryant
Key Injuries
Memphis Grizzlies Injuries: Danny Green (Out)
Los Angeles Lakers Injuries: Anthony Davis (Out), Austin Reaves (Out), Lonnie Walker IV (Out)
