The Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies will meet on Friday night in the first game of this season’s NBA Cup for both teams. Both sides are 3-2 on the season and both teams are hoping to overcome long injury lists to get a win tonight. Before this NBA Cup group stage game begins in Memphis, continue reading to get my Lakers vs Grizzlies prediction.
Our Lakers vs Grizzlies Pick
- Pick: Los Angeles Lakers Moneyline
- Confidence: ★★★☆☆
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Los Angeles Lakers @ Memphis Grizzlies
- Date & Time: Friday, October 31, 2025, 9:30 PM ET
- Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
- Broadcast: Prime Video
Key Storylines
They have a chance to steal a road win to open their NBA Cup campaign, thanks in part to improvement on the injury front. Luka Dončić has been upgraded to questionable after a finger sprain and leg contusion. It would be a major boost if he could play, as the Lakers would not have to rely quite as heavily on Austin Reaves.
Reaves has been spectacular early in the season for a Lakers team that has needed every bit of his contributions. Reaves has averaged 34.2 points per game on 52.5% shooting this year. He won’t need to do quite as much scoring if Doncic can play but he will be a weapon for the Lakers nonetheless.
The Grizzlies are also dealing with key absences. Starting center Zach Edey (ankle) is out along with Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Brandon Clarke. While Memphis still has capable talent and stars like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the losses of so many role players has held them back from reaching their full potential early in the season.
Head‑to‐Head & Betting Trends
- This is the first of three games that these teams will play against each other in the regular season. They will not play again until January.
- The Lakers are 3-2 against the spread early in the season.
- The Grizzlies are 2-3 against the spread going into this week.
- The Lakers have gone over the total in each of their first five games this season.
- Memphis is 3-2 to the over through its first five games.
Best Player Props to Watch
| Player | Prop |
|---|---|
| Luka Dončić (LAL) | Over 31.5 points (if active) |
| Austin Reaves (LAL) | Under 29.5 points |
| Ja Morant (MEM) | Under 7.5 Assists |
Lakers vs Grizzlies Model Projection
Score Projection: Los Angeles Lakers 117 – Memphis Grizzlies 111
Win Probability: Los Angeles Lakers 54% / Memphis Grizzlies 46%
Final Thoughts
I am going to take the Los Angeles Lakers to win on the road against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. Doncic taking the floor would be a huge boost for the Lakers. But Austin Reaves has proven himself more than capable of carrying the Los Angeles offense even when Doncic is not able to go. I’ll take the Lakers here in what could be the most interesting game of the night in the NBA on Halloween.
