Los Angeles Lakers at Memphis Grizzlies Betting Odds

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Los Angeles Lakers (-5.5)
Game Total Line: (191.5)
(wagering lines available at 5Dimes)

The Lakers (13-4, 9-8 ATS) have hit a rough patch, losing their past three games against the spread. They haven't much better straight up, losing back-to-back games, including a 95-92 home loss to Indiana on Sunday.

Poor shooting has done in Los Angeles. The team has shot just 40 percent from the field over its last three games; L.A. averaged just 95 points per game in that span, about 15 points below the season average.

Los Angeles needs a better effort form Pau Gasol. He's been held to 13 points or less in two of his past three starts, and he's one of the bigger contributors to the shooting problems. Gasol has suffered through 5-15 and 3-10 shooting nights during the three-game skid.

Kobe Bryant has done his best to keep L.A. afloat during the struggles. He's averaged 36 points over the past two losses, though that's often a sign of when the Lakers are having problems-Bryant needs to shoot too much, as he feels the need to carry his teammates. Bryant has taken 54 shots in the past two games.

Memphis (7-10, 7-9-1 ATS) suffered a 92-86 loss at Cleveland on Saturday, failing to cover as a one-point favorite. The Grizzlies have dropped two straight against the spread, lowering their record to 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine games. Still, even with the loss to the Cavs, Memphis has won three of its past four.

Saturday's loss can probably be partly explained by fatigue. The Grizzlies were playing the second game in as many nights. They led by 16 at one point, but faded in the fourth quarter.

Getting a little more scoring from Zach Randolph would certainly help. Randolph has averaged just 13.5 points over his last two games. Even his work on the glass slipped a bit, dropping to nine per game, down from his season average of 11.8.

The Lakers are 8-2 in their past 10 games against the Grizzlies, though Memphis has been solid against the spread, covering two of the past three. They met once already this season, with Los Angeles winning 124-105 at home and covering as a nine-point favorite. The total went over. For Tuesday's game, Bodog has set the total at 191.5 points.

Benson ATS Prediction
Take the Grizzlies +5.5 at Betus.