The Memphis Grizzlies (11-14), looking to climb out of the Western Conference’s mid-pack, host the struggling Los Angeles Clippers (6-19) on Monday night in a Southwest Division matchup at FedExForum. Both teams are dealing with injury woes, but Memphis’ depth and home energy could overwhelm a Clippers squad that’s lost nine straight. With Ja Morant sidelined, Desmond Bane steps up against a Clippers backcourt led by James Harden, promising a fast-paced, turnover-prone affair where Grizzlies’ athleticism shines. This could be a bounce-back spot for Memphis after a 1-4 skid, or a rare road win for LA’s veterans. Tip-off is at 8:00 p.m. ET, broadcast on Bally Sports Southeast (BSSO), Bally Sports SoCal (BSSOCAL), and NBA TV.
Venue Location
FedExForum
191 Beale St
Memphis, TN 38103
The Grizzlies’ home since 2004, this 18,119-seat arena pulses with “Grit and Grind” energy, where Memphis holds a 7-5 home record. The downtown vibe and bluesy atmosphere often fuel upsets, with opponents shooting 3.2% worse from three at altitude-like humidity.
Tipoff: 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT)
Broadcast: BSSO (Grizzlies local), BSSOCAL (Clippers local), NBA TV (national)
Injury Report
Injuries have crippled both teams, with Memphis missing Morant’s explosiveness and the Clippers without Kawhi Leonard’s two-way play. Latest from the NBA injury report (as of 4 p.m. ET):
| Team | Player | Status | Injury/Reason | Estimated Return |
| Grizzlies | Ja Morant | Out | Right Hip; Contusion | Dec 20 |
| Jaren Jackson Jr. | Probable | Left Knee; Soreness | Day-to-Day | |
| Brandon Clarke | Out | Left Achilles; Repair | March 2026 | |
| Jaylen Wells | Out | G League – Two-Way | TBD | |
| GG Jackson II | Questionable | Right Ankle; Sprain | Day-to-Day | |
| Clippers | Kawhi Leonard | Out | Right Knee; Inflammation | Jan 5, 2026 |
| Paul George | Out | Left Groin; Strain | Dec 22 | |
| Ivica Zubac | Probable | Right Calf; Tightness | Day-to-Day | |
| Kobe Brown | Out | G League – On Assignment | TBD | |
| Cam Christie | Out | G League – Two-Way | TBD |
Morant’s absence (25.1 PPG) burdens Bane and JJJ, while Leonard and George’s extended outs leave Harden as LA’s lone star, forcing reliance on bench pieces like Norman Powell.
Key Player Matchups
Without Morant and Leonard, this becomes a guard-heavy duel: Bane’s scoring vs. Harden’s creation, with frontcourt battles deciding paint control. Memphis’ length gives them an edge in transition.
Desmond Bane (MEM SG) vs. James Harden (LAC PG)
Bane (24.7 PPG, 42.3% 3PT) erupts off screens and in isos, facing Harden (22.5 PPG, 8.7 APG, but 4.2 TOs). Harden’s step-back counters Bane’s on-ball pressure (1.3 SPG). Edge: Bane—his 32-point barrage vs. Golden State last week exploits LA’s depleted wings.
Scotty Pippen Jr. (MEM PG) vs. Terance Mann (LAC SG)
Pippen (filling in: 16.8 PPG, 6.2 APG) brings speed and vision, matched against Mann (12.4 PPG, versatile defender at 1.1 SPG). Edge: Pippen—LA’s backcourt thins without PG/Leonard, and Pippen’s 20+ in three straight starts signals breakout.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM PF) vs. P.J. Tucker/Marjohn Beauchamp (LAC PF)
Jackson (21.2 PPG, 2.1 BPG) dominates with shot-blocking and spacing (36% 3PT), vs. Tucker’s grit (veteran clamps) and Beauchamp’s athleticism. Edge: Jackson—expect 25+ points if probable; he’s 7-2 in last 9 vs. Clippers.
Vince Williams Jr. (MEM SF) vs. Norman Powell (LAC SG/SF)
Williams (11.5 PPG, emerging glue guy) handles switches, facing Powell’s microwave scoring (18.9 PPG off bench). Edge: Powell—LA needs his 25+ explosions, but Williams’ hustle could force misses.
Bonus Prop Watch: Bane Over 23.5 Points (-110) and Harden Under 8.5 Assists (-105) are sharp, with Bane clearing in 70% sans Morant.
Team Records
| Team | Overall Record | Home/Away | Division | Conference | Streak |
| Grizzlies | 11-14 | 7-5 Home / 4-9 Away | 2-3 | 8-10 | L4 |
| Clippers | 6-19 | 4-9 Home / 2-10 Away | 1-4 | 4-13 | L9 |
Memphis ranks 14th in net rating (+1.2) but drops to -4.1 without Morant. LA is dead last defensively (120.3 allowed), with a -9.8 net rating.
Recent Team Forms
Memphis’ skid ties to Morant’s injury, while LA’s collapse stems from star absences and poor chemistry. Grizzlies force 14.8 TOs/game; Clippers cough up 16.2.
Memphis Grizzlies Last 5 Games (1-4):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Stats |
| Dec 13 | @ MIN | L 108-115 | Bane: 28 PTS; 12 TOs forced |
| Dec 10 | vs. GSW | L 117-120 | Jackson: 25 PTS, 3 BLK; OT loss |
| Dec 8 | @ NOP | L 112-118 | Pippen: 22 PTS, 7 AST |
| Dec 6 | vs. SAS | W 128-112 | Bane: 30 PTS; +15 rebound edge |
| Dec 4 | @ OKC | L 105-123 | Poor shooting (42% FG) |
Los Angeles Clippers Last 5 Games (0-5):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Key Stats |
| Dec 12 | vs. PHX | L 110-118 | Harden: 24 PTS, 9 AST; 14 TOs |
| Dec 9 | @ GSW | L 115-122 | Powell: 26 PTS; Defensive lapses |
| Dec 7 | vs. SAC | L 108-125 | Harden: 20 PTS; 50% 3PT allowed |
| Dec 5 | @ LAL | L 112-119 | Mann: 18 PTS; Road woes |
| Dec 3 | vs. POR | L 120-128 | Powell: 29 PTS; Close but no cigar |
Averages: Grizzlies 112.4 PPG scored (last five), Clippers 122.6 PPG allowed.
Series History
Memphis leads all-time 62-58, including a 4-2 playoff win in 2021. Since 2022, Grizzlies are 7-3 vs. Clippers, often controlling the paint.
This season: Grizzlies lead 2-0
Nov 18: Grizzlies 114-107 (Bane 27 PTS)
Oct 30: Grizzlies 121-110 (Jackson 24 PTS, 4 BLK)
Memphis covers in 6 of last 8, with games averaging 226.2 total points (Over in 5 of 8).
Betting Trends
Key Trends:
Grizzlies: 9-16 ATS overall; 8-4 ATS at home; Over in 14 of 25 (56%); 6-1 SU vs. sub-.400 teams.
Clippers: 8-17 ATS; 2-12 SU last 14; Under in 7 of last 10 road; 1-4 SU vs. Memphis since 2023.
Head-to-Head: Over in 5 of 8; Grizzlies 6-2 ATS last 8.
Game Odds
Memphis Grizzlies 238.5
Los Angeles Clippers – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 14, 2025
