The Philadelphia 76ers (16-14) head to Memphis to face the Grizzlies (15-17) in a cross-conference matchup that pits two teams battling for playoff positioning against each other. The Sixers, sitting in the middle of the Eastern Conference pack, have shown flashes of contender potential with their star trio but have been hampered by inconsistencies and injuries. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, are clinging to the play-in picture in the West, relying on their young core amid a rash of absences. This game could hinge on star availability and defensive intensity, as both squads rank in the top half of the league in opponent points allowed. Expect a gritty, low-scoring affair unless key offensive players explode.
Venue Location
FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee. This 18,119-seat arena has been the Grizzlies’ home since 2004 and is known for its raucous atmosphere, especially in close games. Memphis has a solid home record this season, going 9-7 at FedExForum, where they average 116.2 points per game compared to 112.6 on the road.
Tipoff is set for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. local CT). The game will be broadcast nationally on NBC and streamed on Peacock, making it accessible for fans across the country.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with significant injuries, but Memphis is particularly depleted, which could tilt the scales toward Philadelphia if Joel Embiid suits up.
Philadelphia 76ers:
Joel Embiid (C): Questionable – Right ankle sprain and right knee injury management. He missed the team’s last game against Oklahoma City but has been productive when active, averaging 27.8 points in his last four outings.
Kelly Oubre Jr. (SF): Out – Left knee sprain. Expected return around January 1, 2026. His absence hurts the wing defense and secondary scoring.
Trendon Watford (PF): Out – Left adductor strain. Expected return around January 5, 2026. A depth piece whose rim protection will be missed in the frontcourt rotation.
Memphis Grizzlies:
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (SG): Out – Right hamstring strain. Expected return around January 2, 2026. A key perimeter defender whose absence leaves holes against quick guards like Tyrese Maxey.
Brandon Clarke (PF): Out – Left calf strain. Expected return around January 15, 2026. His athleticism and rebounding are big losses for the second unit.
John Konchar (SF): Out – Left thumb sprain. Expected return around January 6, 2026.
Jock Landale (C): Questionable – Right calf strain.
Vince Williams Jr. (SF): Questionable – Left knee soreness.
Additional notes: Zach Edey (C) and Ty Jerome (PG) are also sidelined with ankle and calf issues, respectively, further thinning Memphis’ rotation. Scotty Pippen Jr. (PG) is out long-term recovering from toe surgery.
The Grizzlies have seven players on their injury list, which has forced reliance on younger talents like GG Jackson and Jaylen Wells.
Philadelphia holds a slight edge in net rating (+0.1) compared to Memphis’ -0.8, but the Grizzlies’ home-court advantage could play a factor.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have been streaky, but Memphis has shown more resilience lately despite their injuries.
Philadelphia 76ers (4-6 in last 10 games): The Sixers are coming off a rough stretch, dropping three straight, including a 129-104 blowout loss to the Thunder on December 28. They’ve struggled with turnovers and perimeter defense, allowing opponents to shoot 38% from three in their last five games. Key wins in the last 10 include a 114-106 victory over the Nets on December 23 and a gritty road win over the Bulls earlier in the month. Overall, they’ve averaged 113.9 PPG while allowing 116.0, resulting in a -2.1 point differential. Form: L-L-L-W-L (last five).
Memphis Grizzlies (7-3 in last 10 games): The Grizzlies have won seven of their last 10, including a current two-game streak highlighted by a 125-104 rout of the Bucks on December 26. They’ve been efficient offensively, averaging 118.3 PPG with a +5.3 point margin. However, a recent 116-112 loss to the Wizards on December 28 exposed rebounding vulnerabilities without their full frontcourt. They’ve excelled at home, winning four of their last five at FedExForum. Form: L-W-W-L-W (last five).
Memphis’ better recent record gives them momentum, but Philadelphia’s star power could exploit the Grizzlies’ depleted roster.
Series History
The Grizzlies hold a slight all-time edge, leading 30-27 in 57 regular-season meetings since Memphis entered the league in 1995. Memphis has dominated recently, winning four of the last six matchups, including a 115-109 victory in Philadelphia on March 6, 2024, where Jaren Jackson Jr. dropped 30 points. The Sixers’ last win in the series was a 110-105 home triumph on February 23, 2023. On the road in Memphis, Philadelphia is 11-18 all-time, but they’ve split the last four visits. Average score in the last 10 meetings: Grizzlies 108.7, Sixers 105.2.
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles, especially if Embiid plays, as Memphis’ frontcourt depth is compromised.
Joel Embiid (PHI) vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM): The marquee matchup. Embiid (24.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG) dominates inside, but Jackson (21.4 PPG, 1.8 BPG) is one of the league’s top shot-blockers and could force Embiid into tough shots. If Embiid sits, Andre Drummond steps in, shifting the advantage to Jackson.
Tyrese Maxey (PHI) vs. Ja Morant (MEM): Speed vs. explosiveness. Maxey (26.1 PPG) has been Philly’s most consistent scorer, while Morant (22.3 PPG, 8.7 APG) is back from a brief absence and drives Memphis’ pace. Morant’s playmaking could exploit Philly’s turnover issues (14.2 per game).
Paul George (PHI) vs. Desmond Bane (MEM): Wing scorers duel. George (19.8 PPG, 38% 3PT) brings veteran savvy and defense, while Bane (23.6 PPG, 40% 3PT) is Memphis’ go-to shooter. With Caldwell-Pope out, Bane may shoulder more defensive load, potentially tiring him.
Other notes: Look for GG Jackson (MEM) to target mismatches against Philly’s second unit, and Caleb Martin (PHI) to guard multiple positions amid Memphis’ injuries.
These matchups favor Philadelphia if Embiid plays, given Memphis’ absences.
Betting Trends
Spread: Memphis is 6-3 ATS as home favorites this season, while Philadelphia is 5-9 ATS on the road.
Total (O/U): The over has hit in 15 of Philadelphia’s 32 games (46.9%) and 17 of Memphis’ 32 (53.1%). In their last five head-to-heads, the under is 3-2, with games averaging 215 points.
Trends: Memphis is 8-2 ATS in their last 10 home games but 2-5 ATS when missing multiple starters. Philadelphia is 4-6 ATS in their last 10 overall but 7-3 ATS as underdogs.
Game Odds
Philadelphia Sixers – 1.5
Memphis Grizzlies 234.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 29, 2025
