1. Game Overview
The Memphis Grizzlies will travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The game is scheduled to take place at crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, with tip-off set for 9:30 p.m. ET. This contest features two Western Conference teams at different points in the standings.
2. Team Form and Analysis
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers enter this matchup with a 20-11 record, positioning them as a competitive team in the conference. Playing at home, they will look to leverage their experience and home-court advantage. The team’s performance often revolves around its veteran leadership, and their winning record indicates a degree of consistency throughout the first part of the season. However, their success has been tempered by a number of lineup changes, which may impact their depth and on-court chemistry against a determined opponent.
Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies hold a record of 15-18. As the visiting team with a sub-.500 record, they face a significant challenge. The team’s primary offensive catalyst is guard Ja Morant, and his status for this game is a critical factor in their potential for success. The Grizzlies’ season has been marked by inconsistency, but their performance level is highly dependent on the availability of their core players. When at or near full strength, they have proven capable of competing with any team in the league.
3. Injury Report
The status of several key players will be a significant factor in this game.
Memphis Grizzlies:
- Ja Morant (PG): Game Time Decision (Calf)
- Santi Aldama (PF): Game Time Decision (Ankle)
- Luke Kennard (SG): Game Time Decision (Back)
- Vince Williams Jr. (SF): Out (Knee)
- John Konchar (SG): Out (Thumb)
- Brandon Clarke (C): Out (Calf)
- Ziaire Edey (C): Out (Ankle)
- Scotty Pippen Jr. (PG): Out (Toe)
Los Angeles Lakers:
- Jarred Vanderbilt (PF): Questionable/Game Time Decision (Leg soreness)
- C. Castleton (C): Game Time Decision (Thumb)
- Rui Hachimura (PF): Out (Calf)
- Gabe Vincent (PG): Out (Back)
- Austin Reaves (SG): Out (Calf)
- Taurean Prince (SG): Out (Neck)
4. ATS Trends
Analysis of performance against the spread (ATS) provides insight into how teams match up with betting market expectations.
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers have an ATS record of 18-14-0, covering the spread in 56.3% of their games. Despite this winning record against the spread, their ATS margin is -2.3, indicating that on average, they underperform the betting line by 2.3 points. This suggests they are often favored but may not win by as much as projected.
Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies have an ATS record of 15-19-0 for a cover percentage of 44.1%. In contrast to the Lakers, their ATS margin is +1.0. This means that, on average, they have performed 1 point better than the spread has anticipated, suggesting they are often competitive in games where they are underdogs.
5. Betting Odds Breakdown
- Moneyline: The Los Angeles Lakers are the favorites at -200, meaning a bettor would need to wager $200 to win $100. The Memphis Grizzlies are the underdogs.
- Spread: The Lakers are favored by 5 points (-5). For a bet on the Lakers to win, they must win the game by more than 5 points. The Grizzlies will cover the spread if they win the game outright or lose by 4 points or fewer.
- Total (Over/Under): The game total is set at 240.5 points. Bettors can wager on whether the combined score of both teams will be 241 or more (the Over) or 240 or less (the Under).
6. Prediction
The Los Angeles Lakers’ path to victory and covering the -5 spread relies on their ability to control the game at home and overcome the absence of key rotation players like Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. With a superior overall record, the Lakers are the rightful favorites to win the game outright.
The Memphis Grizzlies’ path to an upset, or at least covering the spread, hinges almost entirely on the status of Ja Morant. If he plays, his offensive capabilities can challenge the Lakers’ defense and keep the game close. The Grizzlies’ positive ATS margin (+1.0) indicates a tendency to outperform expectations, while the Lakers’ negative ATS margin (-2.3) shows they are often overvalued by the betting market. The number of injuries to the Lakers’ supporting cast cannot be overlooked and could limit their depth and scoring options.
Given the significant injuries for the Lakers and the Grizzlies’ statistical trend of keeping games closer than projected, the most logical outcome is a competitive contest. While the Lakers may secure the win at home, the Grizzlies are well-positioned to keep the final score within the 5-point spread.
Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers 118, Memphis Grizzlies 115.
Sources:
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs Odds – Tuesday November …
NBA Best Bets for Feb. 27: How to Bet Nuggets-Bucks, T-Wolves …
Memphis Grizzlies vs San Antonio Spurs Odds – Tuesday December …
NBA Starting Lineups: Today’s Daily Lineups
Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies Odds – Friday December 12 2025
Los Angeles Lakers – Memphis Grizzlies – 03.01.2026 (NBA …
NBA DFS Picks Today – DraftKings & FanDuel (12/12) | Fantasy News
Sports betting – Bet on sport online MelBet