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Grizzlies vs Wizards November 8th 2024
At 8:00 ET, the Memphis Grizzlies (-216) will host the Washington Wizards (+179) in a non-conference matchup. The Grizzlies are favored by 5.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 229.5.
This game will be played at the FedExForum in Memphis and can be seen on MNMT. The Wizards come into this game with a record of 2-4, while the Grizzlies are 5-4.
Wizards vs. Grizzlies Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Washington Wizards at Memphis Grizzlies
- Where: Memphis at FedExForum
- Date: Friday, November 8th
- Betting Odds MEM -5.5, WAS +179 | MEM -216 O/U 229.5
The Wizards Can Win If…
Washington fell to 2-4 on the season after a 125-112 loss to the Warriors on Monday. The Wizards were +10.5 point underdogs at home but failed to cover the spread. The game’s total points of 237 exceeded the O/U line of 233.5 by 3.5 points.
Washington trailed 29-20 after the 1st quarter and couldn’t make up ground, as the teams played to a 25-25 tie in the 2nd quarter. The Wizards were down 93-81 heading into the 4th quarter and were outscored 32-31 in the final period.
In their 125-112 loss to the Warriors, the Wizards struggled offensively, shooting just 43.8% from the field and hitting only 10 threes at a 23.3% clip. Jordan Poole led the way with 24 points, while Kyshawn George added 20, connecting on 6 threes despite shooting 36.8% overall.
George was a force in the 4th quarter, scoring 14 of his 20 points late. Bub Carrington contributed 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, shooting 58.3% from the field.
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The Wizards put together a solid defensive effort in the 2nd quarter, but struggled in the 3rd and 4th, giving up 39 and 32 points, respectively, in a 125-112 loss to the Warriors. Washington did manage to limit Golden State’s three-point shooting, holding them to 12 made threes on 32% shooting from beyond the arc.
Washington sent the Warriors to the line 34 times, where they converted 25 free throws. The Wizards gave up 16 offensive rebounds while recording 4 steals and 8 blocks in the game.
- Across the Wizards last ten road games, the team averaged 113 points per game while allowing 122. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 4-5-1, while going 3-7 straight-up.
- Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Wizards have a straight up record of 2-8. But, their mark vs the spread was just 4-5-1.
- Over their last five games, the Wizards have an over/under record of 4-1 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.
The Grizzlies Can Win If…
With a 131-114 victory over the Lakers on Wednesday, the Grizzlies improved to 5-4 for the season. Playing at home, Memphis was favored by 4.5 points and covered the spread. The game’s total score of 245 points exceeded the over/under line of 232.5 by 12.5 points.
Memphis started strong, leading 35-27 after the 1st quarter. Although the Lakers edged them 26-24 in the 2nd quarter, the Grizzlies responded by outscoring L.A. 36-28 in the 3rd. An 11-0 run early in the 4th quarter extended their lead from 95-81 to 106-81, and they closed out the game by winning the final period 36-33.
The Grizzlies shot 51.6% from the field and hit 17 threes at a 50% clip in their 131-114 win over the Lakers. Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jaylen Wells each scored 20 points, with Wells knocking down 5 threes, shooting 71.4% from deep.
Wells scored 7 points in the 4th quarter, while Jackson and Morant added 7 in the final period as well. Jay Huff contributed all 11 of his points in the 3rd quarter.
Defensively, the Grizzlies held the Lakers to 114 points while giving up 27 points in the 1st quarter, 26 in the 2nd, and 28 in the 3rd. Their toughest stretch came in the 4th, where they allowed 33 points. Overall, Memphis limited Los Angeles to 44% shooting from the field.
The Grizzlies did well defending the three, as the Lakers shot just 31% from deep, making 15 threes. Memphis also sent the Lakers to the line 21 times, where they hit 17 free throws. The Grizzlies finished with 38 defensive rebounds, allowing 9 offensive boards, while adding 5 steals and 6 blocks.
- In their last ten games at home, the Grizzlies have a straight up record of 5-5 while going 5-5 vs. the spread. The team averaged 107 points per game in this stretch.
- As the betting favorite, the Grizzlies have an ATS mark of just 1-2 in their last three games. Memphis posted a straight up mark of 1-2 in these matchups.
- In their last five games, the Grizzlies have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.
The Lean
Coming in as the underdogs at +5.5, we have the Wizards as the way to go on the point spread. Not only do we have them covering, but our projections show they have a good one of winning this one straight-up, if you’re looking for a higher payout on the moneyline.
As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 229.5, and our model projects the Wizards and Grizzlies to reach a combined total of 213 points. Our bet is on taking the under.
Grizzlies Face Wizards as Ja Morant’s Status Remains Uncertain
The Memphis Grizzlies return to action on Friday night as they host the youthful Washington Wizards, but they may have to do so without their star point guard, Ja Morant.
Morant exited Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers with a right hamstring injury after an attempted left-handed dunk in the third quarter. The dynamic guard left for the locker room with 3:27 remaining in the quarter and did not return, leaving his status for Friday’s contest up in the air.
Grizzlies Show Depth in Win Over Lakers
Despite Morant’s early departure, Memphis secured a convincing 131-114 victory over the Lakers. Morant had already contributed 20 points, but it was Jaren Jackson Jr. and rookie Jaylen Wells who stepped up in his absence. Both players matched Morant’s scoring output with 20 points each, helping the Grizzlies maintain control throughout the game.
Jackson’s versatility was on full display as he dominated on drives to the basket and hit timely shots from beyond the arc. His presence was especially critical with Morant sidelined.
“He stabilizes those minutes when Ja is not on the floor,” said interim coach Tuomas Iisalo, who stepped in for head coach Taylor Jenkins due to a family matter. “He gives us a big boost and kind of a change of pace. He’s always that defensive presence that also delivers big buckets when we need them.”
Meanwhile, Jaylen Wells, who has filled in admirably during the absences of Desmond Bane and Marcus Smart, had another strong performance. His 20 points were a career-high, and he logged 28 minutes, demonstrating his capability to take on a significant role.
“He’s been doing it, it’s no surprise now,” Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama said. “As a rookie, just coming in and being ready to play, that’s not easy to do. You can see it with other kids from his draft class. It takes some time. I’ve been there, but him just coming out and playing that way is super big for us.”
Wizards Look to Build Momentum Behind Rookie Kyshawn George
The Washington Wizards enter Friday’s game looking to snap a losing streak, but they’ve found a bright spot in rookie guard Kyshawn George. Despite a 125-112 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Monday, George had a breakout game, scoring 20 points along with six rebounds and four assists in a season-high 38 minutes.
After struggling with his shot early on, George quickly turned things around to deliver a strong performance.
“We didn’t want him to end up 0-for-6,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe said. “He puts the work in every day. I see it in practice. He’s a great shooter, so if you’re open, let it fly.”
With Kyle Kuzma sidelined due to a groin strain, George has stepped into the starting lineup and made an impact. The 20-year-old is averaging 7.7 points and 4.2 rebounds and will be making his fourth consecutive start on Friday.
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Key Matchup: Grizzlies’ Depth vs. Wizards’ Young Core
Both teams have leaned on younger players due to injuries to key starters. The Grizzlies’ ability to adapt without Morant, Bane, and Smart has been impressive, particularly with Jackson and Wells stepping up. Memphis will aim to continue leveraging its depth to secure another victory.
The Wizards, meanwhile, will be looking for continued development from their young core, including George, as they try to stay competitive against a deeper Memphis squad.
What to Watch For
- Ja Morant’s Status: Whether Morant will play remains uncertain. His absence would put more pressure on Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jaylen Wells to shoulder the offensive load.
- Jaylen Wells’ Impact: Wells has been a revelation for Memphis. Can he continue his strong play and provide the Grizzlies with a spark, especially if Morant is sidelined?
- Kyshawn George’s Development: The Wizards’ rookie has shown flashes of his potential. Friday’s game will be another opportunity for him to prove he can be a consistent contributor, especially with Kuzma still out.
Prediction
While the Grizzlies have been dealing with injuries, their depth has been on full display in recent games. The Wizards have shown promise with their young players, but their inexperience could be exposed against a Memphis team that is finding ways to win without its stars.
