Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, 1/4/2026 Preview and Pick

Game: Memphis Grizzlies vs Los Angeles Lakers

Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026

Location: crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA

TV: Spectrum Sportsnet

The Los Angeles Lakers (20-11) will compete against the Memphis Grizzlies (15-18) at crypto.com Arena on Sunday.

The Grizzlies faced the 76ers and took a loss by a final of 139-136 in their last game. Memphis wrapped up the game with a 55.4% FG percentage (51 out of 92) and knocked down 11 of their 29 shots from distance. At the charity stripe, the Grizzlies converted 23 of their 26 attempts for a percentage of 88.5%. In regard to pulling down boards, they earned 51 with 9 of them being of the offensive variety. They also doled out 28 assists for the game in addition to forcing the opposition into 9 turnovers and earning 2 steals. When discussing defense, Memphis allowed 45.9% from the floor on 51 of 111 shooting. Philadelphia doled out 33 dimes and had 14 steals in this game. Additionally, Philadelphia grabbed 41 boards (14 offensive, 27 defensive) and earned 10 blocked shots. Philadelphia finished the game shooting 81.5% from the free throw line by burying 22 of their 27 tries. They made 15 out of their 42 attempts from long range. Concerning fouls, the Grizzlies ended up finishing with 18 and the 76ers recorded 23 fouls.

Ja Morant is one guy who was a major contributor for this game. He ended up walking away with 40 points on 16 out of 22 shooting. He was on the hardwood for 34 mins and also snagged 2 boards. Morant finished the game at 72.7% from the floor and also earned 3 assists.

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Memphis heads into this one with a record of 15-18 this year. They are averaging 115.9 points per contest (18th in the league) while hitting 45.7% from the floor. The Grizzlies are hitting 35.0% on shots from downtown (438 of 1,250) and 80.0% from the charity stripe. As a team, Memphis is snagging 46.2 boards per game and is sitting with 958 dimes so far this year, which is 7th in basketball in terms of passing the ball. They are losing possession via turnover 15.2 times per contest and as a unit they commit 20.2 personal fouls on a nightly basis.

When they are on defense, the Grizzlies are able to force 14.8 turnovers on a nightly basis while drawing 21.2 personal fouls. They are currently ranked 15th in the NBA in giving up assists to the opposition with 875 surrendered on the year. The Grizzlies defensively are giving up an opponent shooting percentage of 46.4% (1,400 of 3,015) and they concede 44.8 rebounds per contest as a unit. They give up 36.3% from beyond the arc while they are 16th in the league in points per game allowed (116.5).

When they last stepped on the court, the Lakers took a loss by a score of 128-106 when they played the Pistons. The Lakers were able to snag 22 defensive boards and 11 offensive boards totaling 33 for the game. They gave up possession 21 times, while earning 10 steals in this matchup. The Pistons committed 26 fouls in this matchup which took the Lakers to the free throw line for 31 attempts. They were able to convert 21 of the free throw attempts for a percentage of 67.7%. When talking about shooting from 3-point land, Los Angeles converted 11 of their 39 attempts (28.2%). When the final whistle was blown, the Lakers shot 37 out of 82 from the floor which had them shooting 45.1%. The Lakers permitted the Pistons to bury 48 out of their 76 tries from the field which gave them a percentage of 63.2% for the contest. They went 45.8% from beyond the arc by going 11 out of 24 and finished the contest at 21 of 29 at the free throw line (72.4%). When it comes to how they rebounded, Los Angeles permitted Detroit to collect 37 in total (6 offensive).

Luka Doncic ended up being a factor for the Lakers in this matchup. He made 9 out of 22 for the matchup for a field goal percentage of 40.9%, and had 5 rebounds. Doncic recorded 30 points in his 36 mins on the court and had 11 assists in this matchup.

Los Angeles has a win-loss mark of 20-11 for the season. When it comes to offensive execution, the Lakers are hitting on 49.9% from the field, which ranks them 2nd in the league. Los Angeles has tallied 3,622 points for the season (116.8 per contest) and they collect 40.9 boards per contest. They are earning an assist 24.8 times per contest (25th in the NBA) and they turn the ball over 15.5 times per contest. The Lakers are responsible for committing 20.0 fouls every game while shooting 78.0% from the free throw line.

The Los Angeles defense concedes 38.3% from downtown (434 of 1,133) and their opponents are connecting on 79.6% of their foul shots. They have given up 27.5 dimes and 40.2 rebounds per game, which has them ranked 22nd and 2nd in the NBA. The Lakers on the defensive end are ranked 18th in the league in points given up per game with 117.3. They are able to force 15.4 turnovers per game and have let teams shoot 49.0% from the field (28th in the NBA).

Who will win tonight's NBA game against the spread?

Tony Sink's Pick: Take Los Angeles

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