Washington-wizards vs Memphis Grizzlies Picks and Predictions December 8th 2024

At 7:00 ET, the 16-8 Memphis Grizzlies will visit the 3-18 Washington Wizards in a non-conference matchup. The Grizzlies are currently favored by 11.5 points and have won two straight games. The over/under line is currently set at 241.5.

This game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington and can be seen on MNMT.

Grizzlies vs. Wizards Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Memphis Grizzlies at Washington Wizards
• Where: Washington at Capital One Arena
• Date: Sunday, December 8th
• Betting Odds MEM -11.5, MEM -589 | WAS +436 O/U 241.5

The Grizzlies Can Win If…

Memphis improved to 16-8 on the season with a 127-121 win over the Celtics on Saturday. The Grizzlies, who were +7.5 point underdogs, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread. The game’s total points of 248.5 exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 237.5.

Memphis took control early with a 10-0 run, turning an 11-8 deficit into an 18-11 lead. They extended their lead by outscoring Boston 35-27 in the 2nd quarter. Though the Celtics fought back in the 3rd, winning it 35-28, the Grizzlies entered the 4th with a 94-89 lead and edged out Boston 33-32 in the final quarter.

Ja Morant’s 32 points and 9 assists led the Grizzlies to a 127-121 win over the Celtics, with Morant hitting 4 threes at a 66.7% rate. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 27 points, connecting on 3 threes at 75% shooting, while Brandon Clarke contributed 18 points, shooting 81.8% from the field.

Memphis hit 15 threes, shooting 45.5% from deep and 50% overall. Morant scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter, and Jackson matched that total in the 4th, while Desmond Bane added 9 of his 14 points in the final period.

Even though the Grizzlies gave up 121 points, their defense was solid in the 1st and 2nd quarters, allowing 27 points in each. However, they struggled in the 3rd and 4th, where the Celtics scored 35 and 32 points, respectively. Overall, Memphis held Boston to 40% shooting from the field.

The Grizzlies allowed 18 threes, but the Celtics shot just 30% from beyond the arc. Boston also went 19/28 from the free-throw line. Memphis finished with 41 defensive rebounds, giving up 15 offensive boards, while also recording 13 steals and 7 blocks.

• When looking at their past five road matchups, Memphis has an ATS record of 4-1 while averaging 125 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
• Memphis has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three games.
• Over their last three games, the Grizzlies have an over/under record of 1-2 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.

The Wizards Can Win If…

The Wizards improved to 3-18 this season with a 122-113 win over the Nuggets on Saturday. Washington, who were +12 point underdogs, not only won but also covered the spread. The total points for the game finished at 235, just over the line of 234.5.

Washington took control early, leading 36-29 after the 1st quarter and 33-28 in the 2nd. Though Denver outscored them 36-30 in the 3rd, the Wizards held a 99-93 lead going into the 4th and closed out the game by outscoring the Nuggets 23-20 in the final quarter.

Jordan Poole’s 39-point performance, featuring 9 threes at a 45% clip, propelled the Wizards to a win over the Nuggets, with Poole adding 8 assists. Justin Champagnie contributed 23 points on 69.2% shooting, and Jonas Valanciunas added 20 points and 12 rebounds.

Washington hit 16 threes at 39%, finishing with a 48.4% overall shooting percentage. Poole scored 16 points in the 2nd quarter and 14 in the 3rd, while Champagnie added 10 points in the opening period.

Despite allowing 113 points on 48% shooting, the Wizards’ defense held strong from beyond the arc, limiting the Nuggets to just 5 made threes on 20% shooting. Washington gave up 36 points in the 3rd quarter but tightened up in the 4th, allowing only 20 points to secure the win.

The Wizards sent the Nuggets to the line 27 times, where they converted 16 free throws. Washington recorded 31 defensive rebounds but allowed 16 offensive boards. They also contributed 9 steals and 12 blocks in the game.

• In their last three games at home, the Wizards have a straight up record of 0-3 while going 1-1-1 vs. the spread. The team averaged 101 points per game in this stretch.
• The last three games that Washington was the underdog, they have an ATS mark of 1-2 while going 1-2 straight up.
• In their last five games, the Wizards have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

In this Grizzlies vs. Wizards matchup, our point-spread bet is on the Wizards at +11.5. While we project the Grizzlies to win 150-145, our recommendation is to bet on the Wizards for the point-spread.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 241.5, and our model projects the Grizzlies and Wizards to reach a combined total of 295 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

Wizards Seek Momentum After Breaking Franchise-Worst Skid

The Washington Wizards (3-17) enter Sunday’s game with newfound confidence after defeating the Denver Nuggets 122-113 on Saturday, ending a 16-game losing streak. Jordan Poole led the charge with a career-high nine 3-pointers and 39 points, while Justin Champagnie provided a surprising spark with 23 points in his first start of the season.

The victory not only marked the Wizards’ first win since Oct. 30 but also showcased their most balanced team effort in over a month.

“Been waiting to do that one for a while,” Poole said of his new celebratory dance after the win.

Key Players for Washington

• Jordan Poole: Poole’s explosive scoring ability (39 points vs. Denver) will be crucial as Washington faces one of the league’s top offenses.
• Justin Champagnie: The forward made the most of his opportunity, contributing a career-high 23 points and showing promise on both ends of the floor.
• Jonas Valanciunas: With 20 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists against Denver, Valanciunas continues to be a steady force inside.

Injuries remain a significant concern for Washington, with key contributors like Malcolm Brogdon, Corey Kispert, Kyle Kuzma, and Alex Sarr sidelined. However, the team’s resilience and depth were on display against the Nuggets.

Grizzlies: One of the NBA’s Hottest Teams

The Memphis Grizzlies (15-5) bring momentum into Sunday’s matchup, having won eight of their past nine games, including a statement 127-121 victory over the defending champion Boston Celtics on Saturday.

Ja Morant’s near triple-double (32 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists) and a highlight-reel double-pump dunk epitomized his return to form after battling injuries earlier in the season.

“One of the smartest, most gifted players I’ve ever been around,” Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said of Morant.

Key Players for Memphis

• Ja Morant: Averaging 31 points over his last five games, Morant’s dynamic playmaking and finishing ability have been pivotal.
• Jaren Jackson Jr.: A force on both ends, Jackson contributed 27 points in the win over Boston and remains a key interior presence.
• Brandon Clarke: Clarke’s efficient 18 points (9-of-11 shooting) and eight rebounds against Boston underscore his value as a versatile big man.

Memphis boasts the league’s second-most prolific offense, averaging 121.4 points per game, and has shot the ball efficiently, including 50% from the floor and 45.5% from beyond the arc against Boston.

Key Matchups to Watch

• Jordan Poole vs. Ja Morant: Both guards are explosive scorers capable of carrying their teams offensively. How well each team defends the opposing star will be critical.
• Jonas Valanciunas vs. Jaren Jackson Jr.: Valanciunas’ physicality will clash with Jackson’s defensive versatility in a battle for interior dominance.
• Memphis’ Depth vs. Washington’s Short Rotation: With several key players sidelined, the Wizards’ reserves must rise to the challenge against Memphis’ balanced and deep roster.

What’s at Stake?

For the Wizards, Sunday represents a chance to build their first winning streak of the season and take a positive step forward after breaking their losing skid. Another strong performance from Poole and Champagnie could help solidify their roles in Washington’s rebuilding efforts.

For the Grizzlies, the game is an opportunity to continue their dominance and maintain momentum as they climb the Western Conference standings. With Morant back to his electrifying self, Memphis looks to assert its status as one of the league’s elite teams.

Fans can expect a fast-paced, high-scoring affair as these two teams bring contrasting motivations and styles to the hardwood in Washington, D.C.