Wizards vs Grizzlies

Memphis enters this matchup on a two-game winning streak and a 13-14 record, while Washington arrives at 4-21 after following its rare defensive gem against Indiana with a 25-point loss in San Antonio. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)) Even with Ja Morant, Vince Williams Jr., Zach Edey and several guards sidelined, the Grizzlies have stabilized behind Jaren Jackson Jr. and a deep frontcourt rotation, whereas the Wizards will be without Corey Kispert and could be further weakened if Malaki Branham and Khris Middleton sit or are limited. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/team/injuries/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)) Jackson’s history against Washington is dominant—39 points in one Memphis blowout and 21 in another during last season’s sweep—which reinforces the matchup edge for a Grizzlies team already superior in talent and cohesion. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401704757?utm_source=openai)) With Memphis scoring 114.4 points per game at home and trending upward while Washington searches for chemistry around Alex Sarr and CJ McCollum, laying the steep -754 moneyline still profiles as the safer side but with limited upside, so I’d grade this a B play for bankroll management rather than aggression. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)) Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 20/12/2025 09:47

Jaren Jackson Jr. and a shorthanded Grizzlies group have ridden a two-game winning streak built more on balance than pure shootouts, with recent Memphis totals (including 116-110 over Minnesota and 121-103 over the Clippers) landing below tonight’s 231 number, while Washington’s last two games—108-89 over Indiana and 119-94 at San Antonio—also stayed well under this total despite the Wizards’ reputation for leaky defense. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)) Memphis is missing Morant, Vince Williams Jr. and several rotation guards, and Washington could be without Corey Kispert plus a less-than-healthy Malaki Branham and Khris Middleton, which strips perimeter scoring and tends to slow pace into half-court possessions. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/team/injuries/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)) Yes, last season’s meetings (128-104 and 140-112 Memphis wins) flew over this same region of totals, but those came with deeper, faster Grizzlies lineups than the current injury-ravaged version that leans more on size and rebounding through Jackson, Aldama and Edey. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401704757?utm_source=openai)) With Washington averaging 112.0 points per game and Memphis at 114.4 in a spot where both coaches have reasons to manage minutes and grind out possessions, I like Under 231 at -104 as a B- play: a modest edge based on injuries and recent totals, but not strong enough to slam. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/team/_/name/wsh/washington-wizards)) Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 20/12/2025 09:47

CJ McCollum’s long track record of success against Memphis—over 22 points per game in his last several meetings—gives Washington at least one proven closer alongside rookie anchor Alex Sarr as they try to bounce back from that lopsided loss in San Antonio. ([statmuse.com](https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/cj-mccollum-stats-vs-grizzlies-last-3-years?utm_source=openai)) The Wizards have only one win in their last ten but have shown occasional competitiveness like the 108-89 domination of Indiana, while Memphis, though on a two-game surge, remains just 13-14 and far from a bulletproof favorite. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/wizards-have-rare-showing-defense-win-over-pacers--flm-2025-12-14/?utm_source=openai)) The Grizzlies are still laying -12.5 despite being without Morant, Vince Williams Jr., Zach Edey and multiple guards, whereas Washington’s main losses are on the wing in Corey Kispert and potentially a compromised Branham and Middleton, tilting the injury burden more toward the home side. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/team/injuries/_/name/mem/memphis-grizzlies)) Jackson has punished the Wizards in recent years (39 and 21 points in last season’s blowouts), but those covers came with a fuller Memphis rotation than the one now stretched thin, making it harder to trust such a big number. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401704757?utm_source=openai)) Given the combination of Washington’s enhanced shot creation with McCollum, Memphis’ injuries and the cushion of +12.5 at near-even money, I’ll lean to Wizards +12.5 (-100) with a cautious C+ grade, recognizing both the historical matchup risk and the underdog’s volatility. Odds and availability are subject to change. This bet was made at 20/12/2025 09:47