Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.
Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee. This is the home arena for the Memphis Grizzlies, with a capacity of approximately 18,119. It’s known for its passionate fanbase and has hosted the Grizzlies since 2004, featuring modern amenities and a history of intense Southwest Division matchups.
Recent Team Forms
San Antonio Spurs: The Spurs have cooled off slightly after a hot start, going 7-3 in their last 10 games but dropping three of their last five amid injury concerns.
Their last five games highlight defensive lapses but strong road play (seeking a fifth straight road win):
Jan 3, 2026: L 115-110 vs. Portland Trail Blazers (allowed 52% FG; Victor Wembanyama scored 28 but team committed 16 turnovers).
Dec 31, 2025: W at Oklahoma City Thunder (solid defense held OKC to 105 points; balanced scoring from five starters).
Dec 29, 2025: L vs. Denver Nuggets (blown out in second half; poor rebounding -8 differential).
Dec 27, 2025: W at Phoenix Suns (road win; efficient 48% FG and +10 in assists).
Dec 25, 2025: W at Los Angeles Clippers (gritty Christmas Day victory; forced 18 turnovers). Overall form: L-W-L-W-W, with a +4.2 point differential in the last five. They’ve averaged 119.8 PPG in recent games but allowed more points (116.4 PPA last 10), relying on road resilience (12-5 away) despite losing two starters to injuries.
Season stats: 114.8 PPG (12th), 109.2 PPA (4th), 46.5 RPG (6th).
Memphis Grizzlies: The Grizzlies are in a slump, going 3-7 in their last 10 and riding a four-game losing streak amid mounting injuries.
Their last five games show offensive flashes but defensive breakdowns:
Jan 4, 2026: L 120-114 at Los Angeles Lakers (rallied late but allowed 36 from Luka Doncic; Jaren Jackson Jr. had 26 points).
Jan 2, 2026: L vs. Golden State Warriors (poor fourth quarter; gave up 55% FG).
Dec 31, 2025: L at Dallas Mavericks (competitive but turnovers doomed them; 17 giveaways).
Dec 29, 2025: L vs. Houston Rockets (allowed 58 paint points; outrebounded -12).
Dec 27, 2025: W vs. New Orleans Pelicans (rare win; strong defense held NO to 102 points). Overall form: L-L-L-L-W, with a -8.6 point differential in the last five. Home form is middling (9-9), with injuries forcing reliance on youth (110.2 PPG, 28th; 116.8 PPA, 22nd; 42.1 RPG, 25th).
Series History
The Spurs hold a commanding all-time edge over the Grizzlies, leading 78-42 in 120 regular-season meetings.
In the playoffs, San Antonio is 3-1 in series (last meeting: 2017 Western Conference First Round, Spurs won 4-2). Recent history favors the Spurs, who have won 11 of the last 15 games and are 2-0 this season (2025-26).
Key recent matchups:
Dec 2, 2025: Spurs 126-119 Grizzlies (San Antonio covered -4; over 228 total).
Nov 18, 2025: Spurs 111-101 Grizzlies (defensive battle; under 220 total).
Mar 1, 2025: Grizzlies 128-130 Spurs (close overtime thriller). The Spurs have outscored Memphis by an average of 8.2 points in their last five meetings, with games often featuring physical defense (under hit in 3 of last 5). This Southwest Division rivalry intensifies with stars like Wembanyama and Morant, but San Antonio’s recent dominance (6-4 ATS in last 10 H2H) gives them the edge.
Injury Report
Reports as of January 5, 2026 (not yet submitted for some teams, but based on latest updates):
San Antonio Spurs:
Victor Wembanyama (F/C): Questionable (right knee soreness; will travel with team but status uncertain after missing recent practice).
Two unnamed starters: Out (recent injuries from last week; impacting offensive rhythm).
No other major reports, but monitor for late additions.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Scotty Pippen Jr. (G): Out (left big toe surgery; re-evaluated in 12 weeks).
espn.com +1
Cedric Coward (F): Doubtful (left ankle sprain; suffered vs. Lakers on Jan 4).
Ja Morant (G): Questionable (right calf contusion; popped up on report before Jan 4 game).
Injuries have piled up, including Zach Edey (prior absence), forcing reliance on depth like Christian Koloko (recently signed).
The Grizzlies’ depth is severely tested, potentially giving the Spurs an advantage if Wembanyama plays.
Key Player Matchups
This Southwest clash features young stars and defensive battles, with injuries adding uncertainty. Expect a focus on paint control and perimeter speed in a mid-paced game.
Victor Wembanyama (SAS, F/C) vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM, F/C): If Wembanyama plays (averaging 24 PPG, 10 RPG, 4 BPG), his length and versatility test Jackson’s shot-blocking (2.5 BPG). Jackson (20 PPG) must avoid foul trouble against Wembanyama’s outside shooting (35% from three); this interior duel could decide rebounding (Spurs +4.4 edge season).
Chris Paul (SAS, G) vs. Ja Morant (MEM, G): Paul (12 APG) orchestrates San Antonio’s offense with veteran savvy. Morant (if available, 25 PPG, 8 APG) brings explosiveness but has been inefficient lately; Paul’s defense could force turnovers, while Morant’s athleticism tests the Spurs’ backcourt.
Jeremy Sochan (SAS, F) vs. Jake LaRavia (MEM, F): Sochan (versatile defender, 14 PPG) steps up if starters are out, containing LaRavia’s emerging scoring (12 PPG). This matchup highlights physicality on the wings.
Devin Vassell (SAS, G) vs. Marcus Smart (MEM, G): Vassell (18 PPG, 38% 3PT) provides spacing for Spurs. Smart (elite defender, 2 SPG) aims to disrupt; if Smart locks in, it limits San Antonio’s perimeter threat.
Betting Trends
San Antonio Spurs: 20-15 ATS overall (11-6 ATS away). They’ve gone 18-17 on over/under (9-8 O/U away). Trends: 7-3 ATS in last 10, but 3-2 ATS in last 5; over in 4 of last 6 road games; 6-4 ATS as favorites. Strong vs. sub-.500 teams (8-2 SU last 10).
Memphis Grizzlies: 16-19 ATS overall (8-10 ATS home). 17-18 on over/under (9-9 O/U home). Trends: 2-3 ATS in last 5, 4-6 ATS as underdogs; over in 6 of last 10; 1-4 ATS during current skid. Poor vs. winning teams (3-12 SU).
Head-to-Head: Spurs 6-4 ATS in last 10 meetings; under hit in 3 of last 5 (average 218 points). NBA trends: Road favorites like Spurs are 57% ATS vs. losing teams; games with injury-riddled underdogs hit the under 54% when totals are 220+.
Game Odds
San Antonio Spurs – 5.5
Memphis Grizzlies 238.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 5, 2026
