Memphis Grizzlies at Washington Wizards
Capital One Arena
Washington Wizards +7.5-106
CONF 60%
Not yet graded
The read
TALE OF THE TAPE
Memphis Washington Record 15-16 ← 6-23 Off Rating 110.5 - 110.5 Def Rating 113.7 ← 121.5 Net Rating -3.2 ← -11.0 Key Injuries Edey/Clarke Kispert/George
Gary's Take The market is treating the Memphis Grizzlies like a contender and the Washington Wizards like a G-League team, but the actual matchup dynamics tell a different story. Just last week, Washington went into Memphis and put up 130 points in an outright win. While revenge is a popular narrative, it doesn't fix Memphis's glaring roster hole: they have zero healthy centers.
With Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke out, Memphis is relying on Jaren Jackson Jr. to anchor the entire defense, a role that often lands him in foul trouble. Washington's offense has quietly caught fire, averaging 134 points over their last two wins, including a 138-point explosion against Toronto. The veteran presence of CJ McCollum and Khris Middleton gives Washington enough offensive firepower to exploit a Grizzlies defense that is statistically average at best.
Memphis is the better team long-term, but asking a sub-.500 road team to cover 7.5 points against an opponent that just beat them is asking too much. The Grizzlies likely win a close one, but the value is strictly with the home dog catching three possessions.
Give me Washington Wizards +7.5 -106.
Injuries noted
Memphis Grizzlies: Vince Williams Jr. (Out) — Dec 27: Williams (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Wizards.; Jock Landale (Day-To-Day) — Dec 27: Landale (calf) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Wizards.; Brandon Clarke (Out) — Dec 22: Clarke (calf) has sustained a Grade 2 right calf strain and will be reevaluated in about three weeks.; John Konchar (Out) — Dec 15: Konchar underwent successful left thumb surgery Thursday and will be re-evaluated in three weeks.; Zach Edey (Out) — Dec 11: Edey (ankle) will be re-evaluated in about four weeks, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.; Ty Jerome (Out) — Nov 22: Jerome (calf) will be held out of games for at least 6-to-9 weeks.; Scotty Pippen Jr. (Out) — Oct 18: Pippen will undergo a procedure for a left big toe injury and will be re-evaluated in 12 weeks, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Saturday.
Washington Wizards: KyShawn George (Out) — Dec 28: George (hip) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies.; Malaki Branham (Day-To-Day) — Dec 27: Branham (thumb) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies.; Corey Kispert (Out) — Dec 27: Kispert (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against the Grizzlies.; Cam Whitmore (Out) — Dec 23: Whitmore is out indefinitely due to deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder, Shams Charania of ESPN reports.
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- Board stored December 28, 2025 at 8:37 AM ET.
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Props on this game
2Jaren Jackson JrOVER 5.5 Rebounds Rebounds-146
WActual 7
Jaren Jackson Jr. enters this matchup in excellent rebounding form, averaging 7.8 boards over his last five games, which is well above his 5.4 season average. The Grizzlies are currently severely shorthanded in the frontcourt with both Zach Edey and Brandon Clarke ruled out, forcing Jackson into more minutes at center and increasing his rebounding responsibilities.
In his last meeting with the Wizards on December 20, Jackson recorded 8 rebounds despite the Grizzlies being healthier at that time. Washington is playing on the second night of a back-to-back and ranks poorly in defensive efficiency, which should lead to more rebounding opportunities for the Memphis big man. Given his recent consistency, hitting this over in four of his last five games, the 5.5 line offers significant value.
Expect Jackson to dominate the glass against a tired Wizards interior.
Jaren Jackson JrOVER 18.5 Points Points-121
WActual 31
Jaren Jackson Jr. has been scoring at a high clip recently, averaging 21.2 points over his last five games compared to his 18.0 season average. He has surpassed this 18.5 point line in four of those five games, showing a consistent floor as a primary offensive option for Memphis.
With Ja Morant back in the lineup to draw defensive attention, Jackson should benefit from higher-quality looks in the paint. In his previous encounter with the Wizards just eight days ago, he successfully cleared this line with 22 points. Washington allows the second-most points in the NBA (125.8 PPG) and will likely struggle to contain Jackson's versatility on the second night of a back-to-back.
The expected high-paced game environment (total 240.5) further boosts the probability of a high-scoring night for the Grizzlies' star. Jackson's increased usage with the frontcourt injuries makes him a focal point of the offense today.
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