NBA: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Washington Wizards Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Memphis Grizzlies host the Washington Wizards less than 24 hours since they facet the Utah Jazz. Ja Morant is an All-Star starter, which is a great recognition for the fantastic guard and the entire franchise from Tennessee. They are currently on the rise, and this might be an additional swing that helps them climb in the West standings. The Wizards slowed down following a very good start that saw them even reaching the top spot in the East. Right now, they are 10th in the conference, holding a play-in place.

Preview

Washington Wizards (23-25, +195) lost four in a row, all of them at home, which is a massive setback for their playoff plans. The team from DC now has to make up for all those failures somewhere on the road, which will be tough as hell.

One by one, the Nets, Raptors, Celtics, and at last the Clippers all triumphed at the Capital One Arena. The latest defeat to the LAC will stay remembered for a long time, as Wizards managed to waste a 35-point lead, allowing the guests the second-largest comeback in the history of the game. Washington allowed seven points in the final nine minutes, and the Clips went home with a 116-105 victory.

Bradley Beal had 23 points, nine boards and six assists, Kyle Kuzma scored 19 and added 12 boards, while three players ended the night with 12 points – Daniel Gafford, KCP, and Montrez Harrell. Young Deni Avdija and Thomas Bryant contributed with 11 each. However, in the closing moments of the event, all these guys choked.

Memphis Grizzlies (34-17, -240) are home following a very nasty road trip that saw them facing pretty much only the playoff teams or the title contenders. Since that tour, Memphis had one game and was better than the shorthanded Utah Jazz in its first home event, 119-109. It was a nice chance to celebrate Ja Morant’s election to the West starting lineup.

He, too, was in a positive mood delivering a triple-double by scoring 30 points, 10-for-22, and adding 10 boards and assists as well. Morant is arguably the fastest rising star in the league and the leader of his generation.

Ja had a very big help in Brandon Clarke, who scored 22 points off the bench, missing three of his 12 shots from the field. Jaren Jackson Jr. ended the night with 19 points and five rebounds and posted six blocks. He has 50 alone in January, 13 more than the next player on the list.

Head to Head Games

The previous meeting was on November 5, when the Wizards wiped off the floor of Capital One Arena with the Grizzlies. The final result of that game was 115-87 for the hosts, who were merciless. Jackson Jr. had a team-high for the guests with only 13 points. On the other side, the Wizards had seven players with 12 or more points.

Prediction

The Grizzlies are in much better shape now than almost two months ago, and there is no debate here who will win tonight. Furthermore, we predict that the hosts are going to cover the spread without too many problems and post another confident victory.

Pick: Grizzlies -5.5

Here are the previews for:

Pacers vs. Mavericks

Celtics vs. Pelicans