The Memphis Grizzlies head to the nation’s capital to face the Washington Wizards in a cross-conference rematch just a week after their last meeting. The Grizzlies, clinging to a play-in spot in the West, have battled injuries but shown resilience with strong defensive efforts and Ja Morant’s return. The Wizards, owners of one of the league’s worst records, snapped a four-game home skid with a blowout win but remain plagued by inconsistency and poor defense (allowing 120+ PPG). This game could be decided by Memphis’ athleticism inside against Washington’s perimeter scoring, especially if key Grizzlies suit up.
Venue Location
Capital One Arena, Washington, DC. This 20,356-capacity venue, home to the Wizards since 1997, has seen better days for the home team (3-12 home record this season), but recent wins could energize the crowd. It’s known for its central location and has hosted high-scoring affairs lately.
Tipoff is set for 6:00 PM ET. The game will be available on League Pass, with local broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (Grizzlies) and Monumental Sports Network (Wizards). Radio coverage includes WWDC 104.7 FM for Washington and ESPN 92.9 FM for Memphis.
Injury Report
Both teams have been hit hard by injuries, with Memphis dealing with a lengthy list that has hampered their depth. Reports as of December 27 indicate the following (subject to final submissions):
Memphis Grizzlies:
Ja Morant (PG): Questionable (Left ankle sprain) – Played on Dec 26 but monitoring for back-to-back risk.
Cedric Coward (G/F): Questionable (Left heel soreness) – Missed recent games but upgraded recently.
Zach Edey (C): Doubtful (Undisclosed/conditioning) – Inching toward debut but likely out.
Scotty Pippen Jr. (G): Out (Left big toe injury) – Undergoing procedure, re-evaluated in 12 weeks.
Vince Williams Jr. (F): Out (Knee) – Ongoing recovery.
Brandon Clarke (F): Out (Undisclosed) – Yet to play this season.
Colin Castleton (C): Out (Undisclosed) – Depth piece sidelined.
GG Jackson II (F): Out (Foot) – Long-term absence.
Washington Wizards:
Bub Carrington (G): Available (Not listed) – Expected to play.
Two unnamed players listed (per reports) – Minor issues; team relatively healthy compared to Memphis.
Kyshawn George (G): Probable (No major issues reported).
Saddiq Bey (F): Out (Knee) – Season-long absence if not updated.
Malcolm Brogdon (G): Questionable (Hand) – Monitoring.
Memphis’ absences thin their rotation significantly, forcing reliance on Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., while Washington’s healthier lineup could exploit mismatches.
Key Player Matchups
Assuming standard lineups adjusted for injuries, this rematch features battles between Memphis’ stars and Washington’s emerging talents. The Dec 20/21 game saw Wizards’ comebacks, so watch for adjustments.
Ja Morant (MEM PG) vs. CJ McCollum (WAS PG): Morant (17.7 PPG, 7.5 APG) brings explosiveness post-injury, but McCollum (18.6 PPG) torched Memphis for 28 last time. Morant’s athleticism edges, but McCollum’s shooting could exploit switches.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM PF) vs. Alex Sarr (WAS C): Jackson (17.8 PPG, blocks leader) vs. Sarr (18.2 PPG rookie). Jackson’s defense could limit Sarr inside, but Sarr’s length challenges Jackson’s spacing.
Santi Aldama (MEM F) vs. Kyshawn George (WAS G/F): Aldama (37 points last matchup) vs. George (5.7 RPG, 28 points in recent win). Aldama’s versatility tests George’s defense.
Jaylen Wells (MEM G) vs. Jordan Poole or Bub Carrington (WAS G): Wells steps up with injuries; Poole’s scoring (if starting) could create perimeter fireworks.
Bench Depth: Cam Spencer (MEM) vs. Wizards’ Guards: Memphis’ thinned bench vs. Washington’s healthier rotation—Spencer could shine if Morant limited.
Memphis holds edges in talent, but injuries make it vulnerable to Washington’s hot shooters.
Recent Team Forms
The Grizzlies are 6-4 in their last 10, buoyed by Morant’s return, while the Wizards are 3-7 but coming off a statement win.
Memphis Grizzlies (6-4 in last 10):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 26 | vs. Bucks | W | 125-104 |
| Dec 23 | @ Jazz | W | 137-128 |
| Dec 22 | vs. Thunder | L | 103-119 |
| Dec 20 | vs. Wizards | L | 122-130 |
| Dec 17 | vs. Timberwolves | W | 116-110 |
| Dec 15 | @ Clippers | W | 121-103 |
| Dec 12 | @ Jazz | L | 126-130 |
| Dec 7 | vs. Trail Blazers | W | 119-96 |
| Dec 5 | vs. Clippers | W | 107-98 |
| Dec 2 | vs. Spurs | L | 119-126 |
Averaging 119.5 PPG in last 10, with strong wins against contenders but losses in close games.
Washington Wizards (3-7 in last 10):
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Dec 27 | vs. Raptors | W | 138-117 |
| Dec 24 | vs. Hornets | L | 109-126 |
| Dec 22 | vs. Spurs | L | 113-124 |
| Dec 21 | @ Grizzlies | W | 130-122 |
| Dec 19 | vs. Spurs | L | 94-119 |
| Dec 15 | vs. Pacers | W | 108-89 |
| Dec 13 | vs. Cavaliers | L | 126-130 |
| Dec 7 | vs. Hawks | L | 116-131 |
| Dec 5 | vs. Celtics | L | 101-146 |
| Dec 3 | vs. 76ers | L | 102-121 |
Averaging 113.7 PPG but shooting 59% in wins like the recent blowout.
Series History
Memphis leads the all-time series 33-24. In the last 10 meetings, Grizzlies are 6-4 SU, with games averaging 226 points (over in 6 of 10). Recent: Wizards won the Dec 20/21 matchup 130-122, snapping a Grizzlies streak. Memphis is 4-1 SU in last five at Washington, but Wizards covered ATS in the upset. Head-to-head often high-scoring (over in 7 of last 10).
Betting Trends
Spread: Wizards 12-17 ATS, but 4-6 ATS last 10.
Over/Under: Over in 5 of Grizzlies’ last 7; under in 4 of Wizards’ last 6 home games). Head-to-head: over in 6/10.
Other Trends: Grizzlies 5-5 ATS last 10; Wizards 8-3 ATS when scoring 110+. Memphis 4-1 ATS vs. East; Wizards 2-8 ATS as home underdogs. December: Grizzlies 7-3 SU last 10 Dec games; Wizards 3-7.
Game Odds
Memphis Grizzlies – 6.5
Washington Wizards 240.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, December 27, 2025
