The 2025-26 NBA season presents a lopsided Western vs. Eastern Conference battle as the lottery-bound Washington Wizards visit the injury-ravaged Memphis Grizzlies. The Wizards, amid a rebuild, have struggled with consistency and defense, ranking last in the league in points allowed. Memphis, typically a playoff contender, is dealing with a massive injury crisis that could level the playing field in this matchup. Despite the absences, the Grizzlies’ depth and home-court advantage might still prevail, but expect a scrappy affair with potential for an upset if Washington’s young core capitalizes on Memphis’ depleted roster.
Venue Location
The game will take place at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. This 18,119-seat arena has been the Grizzlies’ home since 2004 and is known for its passionate fans and defensive-minded atmosphere.
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT local time). The game will be available on NBA League Pass, with local broadcasts on FanDuel Sports Network – Southeast for Wizards viewers and FanDuel Sports Network – Tennessee for Grizzlies fans.
Team Records
Washington Wizards: 4-21, 15th in the Eastern Conference (last in Southeast Division).
Memphis Grizzlies: 13-14, 11th in the Western Conference (4th in Southwest Division).
Recent Team Forms
The Wizards have lost four of their last five games, continuing a dismal season marked by blowouts and defensive breakdowns. Their lone win in this stretch was a 108-89 upset over the Indiana Pacers on December 14, fueled by Marvin Bagley III’s double-double (22 points, 10 rebounds). However, they followed with a 119-94 home loss to the San Antonio Spurs on December 18, where they shot just 38% from the field. Earlier defeats include a 130-126 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 12 and a 131-116 setback against the Atlanta Hawks on December 6. Washington has averaged 107.6 points over the last five while allowing 124.0, underscoring their league-worst defense.
Memphis snapped a two-game skid with a 116-110 road win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 17, showcasing resilience despite mounting injuries. Prior to that, they secured a 121-103 victory against the LA Clippers on December 15, led by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 31 points. The Grizzlies also beat the Clippers 107-98 on December 5 but suffered losses in between, including a tough stretch without key players. Over their last five, they’ve averaged 114.8 points while holding opponents to 110.8, but the injury toll could impact their form moving forward. Memphis is 7-6 at home this season.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Streak | Points For/Against (Last 5) | FG% (Season) | 3PT% (Season) |
| Washington Wizards | 1-4 | L1 | 107.6 / 124.0 | 44.2% | 33.8% |
| Memphis Grizzlies | 3-2 | W1 | 114.8 / 110.8 | 46.5% | 35.4% |
Series History
The Grizzlies lead the all-time regular-season series 33-24 over 57 games. Memphis has dominated recently, winning the last three meetings, including a 140-112 blowout on December 8, 2024, and a 128-104 victory on November 8, 2024. Over the past 10 encounters, the Grizzlies are 7-3, with games averaging 220.5 total points. The home team has won six of the last 10. This is the first of two matchups this season, with a rematch in Washington on December 28, 2025.
Injury Report
Washington Wizards: Forward Corey Kispert (Out – Ankle, expected to miss at least until December 20); Center Alex Sarr (Questionable – Adductor strain, day-to-day since December 13); Guard Malaki Branham (Out – Undisclosed, per recent reports); Center Tolu Smith (Out – G League two-way). The Wizards’ report for this game was not yet submitted as of December 19 afternoon, but these statuses reflect the latest updates. Washington’s thin frontcourt could be exposed.
Memphis Grizzlies: Guard Ja Morant (Out – Left ankle sprain, second straight game); Center Zach Edey (Out – Undisclosed); Forward GG Jackson II (Out); Guard Ty Jerome (Out); Guard John Konchar (Out); Guard Jahmai Mashack (Out); Guard Yuki Kawamura (Out); Forward Vince Williams Jr. (Out); Guard Marcus Smart (Out – Right thumb fracture). Nine players are ruled out, severely depleting Memphis’ rotation and forcing reliance on bench players like Cam Spencer.
Player Matchups
With Memphis’ extensive injuries, this game shifts focus to surviving players and potential mismatches:
Jordan Poole (WAS, G) vs. Scotty Pippen Jr. (MEM, G): Poole (20.5 points per game) could exploit Memphis’ backcourt voids, but Pippen’s scrappy defense might force turnovers in Morant’s absence.
Bilal Coulibaly (WAS, G/F) vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM, F/C): Coulibaly’s athleticism (14.2 points) faces Jackson (22.8 points, recent 31-point outburst), who could dominate the paint if Edey sits.
Marvin Bagley III (WAS, F/C) vs. Brandon Clarke (MEM, F): Bagley (12.8 points, 7.6 rebounds) brings energy from his recent double-double, but Clarke’s efficiency could capitalize on Washington’s rebounding woes.
Alexandre Sarr (WAS, C) vs. Memphis’ Makeshift Frontcourt: If Sarr plays (questionable), his length might challenge Memphis’ depleted bigs, but the Grizzlies’ pace could wear him down.
These battles highlight Washington’s opportunity to push tempo against a shorthanded Memphis squad.
Betting Trends
Washington is 10-15 ATS this season but 6-7 on the road, with the under hitting in four of their last five due to offensive struggles. The Wizards are 2-8 ATS as underdogs of 10+ points. Memphis is 14-13 ATS overall and 7-6 at home, but their 4-0 ATS record when scoring below the Wizards’ defensive average (126.4 PPG allowed) is notable—though injuries could alter this. Head-to-head, the under has cashed in six of the last 10, and the home team is 6-4 ATS in recent meetings. League-wide December trends show unders in 55% of games involving injury-hit teams.
Game Odds
Washington Wizards 236.5
Memphis Grizzlies – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, December 19, 2025
