Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers Pick and Prediction for Sunday January 4 2026
The Memphis Grizzlies (15-19) look to snap a three-game losing streak as they wrap up a two-game set against the Los Angeles Lakers (21-11) at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers opened the series on Friday night with a 128-121 victory, fueled by 30-point performances from both Luka Dončić and LeBron James.1 For Memphis, this road trip has been a test of depth, as they continue to navigate a litany of injuries to key rotation players.
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Los Angeles enters as a moderate home favorite, looking to improve their fifth-place standing in a crowded Western Conference. Despite the Grizzlies' recent struggles, the high-scoring nature of Friday's matchup suggests another offensive battle is on the horizon. For expert analysis and daily wagering insights on the full slate of NHL action, be sure to check out the latest free NBA picks over at Winners and Whiners.
Grizzlies: Short-Handed but Resilient
The Grizzlies are currently without several key pieces, including rookie center Zach Edey (ankle) and Brandon Clarke (calf).2 In their absence, Jaren Jackson Jr. has shouldered a massive load, leading the team with 25 points in Friday's loss. Memphis saw a resurgent performance from former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who chipped in 20 points, but the team struggled to contain the Lakers' star power in the fourth quarter.
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The focal point remains Ja Morant, who is coming off a 40-point outing against Philadelphia earlier this week. Although he was held to 16 points and 11 assists on Friday, his ability to break down the Lakers' defense in transition is vital. For Memphis to split the series, they must find a way to limit the Lakers' trips to the free-throw line, where they were outscored significantly in the previous meeting.
Lakers: The Dončić-James Connection
The Lakers' offense has been revitalized by the chemistry between Luka Dončić and LeBron James. Dončić, the league's leading scorer at 33.5 PPG, was relentless in the series opener, getting to the line 20 times and finishing with 34 points. James added 31 points on an efficient 12-of-18 shooting. The Lakers' ability to play through their superstars in the half-court has masked some of their defensive inconsistencies (allowing 117.3 PPG).
Health is also a factor for Los Angeles; while they are missing Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura, they have found reliable production from Jake LaRavia, who put up 21 points and 9 rebounds on Friday.7 The Lakers currently rank among the league's best at home (9-6) and will look to use their size advantage with Deandre Ayton to win the rebounding battle again.
Analysis & Betting Picks
Lakers vs Grizzlies Pick
- Moneyline: Los Angeles Lakers (-175)
The Lakers simply have too much firepower for a shorthanded Memphis squad to handle over 48 minutes. While the Grizzlies are gritty and can hang around for three quarters, the closing ability of Dončić and James was the clear difference-maker on Friday. With Memphis missing Edey’s interior presence and several bench pieces, the Lakers should be able to sweep this two-game home set.
Lakers vs Grizzlies Total Pick
- Total: Over 238.5 (-110)
Both teams are playing at a high pace and struggling to stop each other. Friday's game comfortably cleared this total with 249 points, and neither team has shown the defensive discipline recently to suggest a significant drop-off. Memphis allows nearly 117 points per game, and the Lakers have scored at least 125 in two of their last three. Expect another shootout in Los Angeles.
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