The last time these teams faced each other, earlier this month, Ja Morant put up a game-high 35-point performance to go along with 10 assists. That performance made Morant the youngest player in Grizzlies history to have a 30-point and 10-assist game.
The second half of the NBA season officially kicks off on Wednesday with the Washington Wizards heading to Memphis to face the Grizzlies. Memphis won the only other meeting between these teams this season, taking the Wizards down 125-111 in Washington on March 2.
The Grizzlies are slim 3-point favourites to win on the NBA odds with a total of 237.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
It’s been a dead-even heat between these teams over the last several years. They’ve split the last 10 games they’ve faced off with each other with Memphis averaging 108.5 points per game in those meetings and Washington averaging 105.3 points.
The Wizards have identical 7-10 records at home and on the road, although they have been better at covering the spread outside of Washington. The Wizards are 18-16 against the spread overall, covering in 10 of 17 road games. Washington is 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games overall.
Coming into this game, Memphis has struggled at home with a losing record of 7-11 at the FedExForum. The Grizzlies are 17-14-1 ATS overall and have covered in five straight home games against Washington. Memphis has missed the Over in six straight games overall and four of their last five home games.
Washington Wizards
After a brutal start to the season the Wizards seem to have turned things around, picking up eight wins in their last 11 games. Washington proved they can hang with the best of the best after taking down the L.A. Clippers 119-117 in their last game before the All-Star break. That win put them two games back of the Raptors for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, with a lot of basketball still left to play. Bradley Beal led the way against the Clippers. The NBA’s leading scorer finished with 33 points and seven rebounds. Beal is averaging 32.9 points per game and could position himself as a top MVP candidate if he can get the Wizards into a playoff position. Russell Westbrook also had a big game against the Clippers, falling one rebound shy of a triple-double. Westbrook dropped 27 points, nine rebounds and 11 assists in the win.
Beal is a consistent shooter that Washington can usually rely on, so how Westbrook performs in this game could be the difference-maker. Westbrook struggled to start the season, but the first-year Washington point guard seems to have become much more comfortable with the Wizards’ systems. He is averaging just shy of a triple-double per game. Westbrook’s 20.3 points per game average is second only to Beal and Westbrook also leads Washington in rebounds (9.7) and assists (9.8). The key matchup in this game will be Westbrook and Ja Morant. If Westbrook can limit Morant’s offensive threat, Washington has a great chance to pick up the win.
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis is coming into this game at exactly .500 for the year and they sit one game back of the Dallas Mavericks for the last playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies entered the All-Star break with a tightly contested 112-111 loss to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. A late Desmond Bane missed 3-pointer that hit the rim was the difference between a win and a loss for Memphis against the Bucks. Morant dropped a game-high 35 points for the second straight game, but it wasn’t enough against a Milwaukee team with the NBA’s reigning two-time MVP.
After inconsistent play, Morant seems to be heating up. The NBA’s 2020 Rookie of the Year has put up 70 points over his last two games and will likely be the determining factor if the Grizzlies make the playoffs. The last time these teams faced each other, earlier this month, Morant had the first of his two straight 35-point game-high performance to go along with 10 assists. That performance made Morant the youngest player in Grizzlies history to have a 30-point and 10-assist game. For the season, Morant leads Memphis with 19.8 points per game and 7.7 assists.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Wizards vs. Grizzlies?
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
| time | fav | line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opening 9 Mar 8:49pm | WAS | -2.5 -110 | O +238 -110 |
| Closing 10 Mar 9:15pm | WAS | -3.5 -110 | O +237 -110 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Wizards Team Leaders
| Points |
31.3 |
| Assists |
11.74 |
| Rebounds |
11.54 |
| FG% |
68.1 |
| Steals |
1.37 |
| Blocks |
1.78 |
| Points |
19.11 |
| Assists |
7.38 |
| Rebounds |
12.52 |
| FG% |
59.2 |
| Steals |
1.22 |
| Blocks |
1.64 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
11.8 |
| Rebounds |
10.4 |
| FG% |
84.6 |
| Steals |
1.4 |
| Blocks |
2 |
| Points |
30.2 |
| Assists |
8.2 |
| Rebounds |
9.8 |
| FG% |
57.9 |
| Steals |
2.8 |
| Blocks |
1.2 |
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Grizzlies Team Leaders
| Points |
31.3 |
| Assists |
11.74 |
| Rebounds |
11.54 |
| FG% |
68.1 |
| Steals |
1.37 |
| Blocks |
1.78 |
| Points |
19.11 |
| Assists |
7.38 |
| Rebounds |
12.52 |
| FG% |
59.2 |
| Steals |
1.22 |
| Blocks |
1.64 |
| Points |
30 |
| Assists |
11.8 |
| Rebounds |
10.4 |
| FG% |
84.6 |
| Steals |
1.4 |
| Blocks |
2 |
| Points |
30.2 |
| Assists |
8.2 |
| Rebounds |
9.8 |
| FG% |
57.9 |
| Steals |
2.8 |
| Blocks |
1.2 |
Injuries
Russell Westbrook (PG)
Davis Bertans (PF)
Ish Smith (PG)
Russell Westbrook (PG)
Russell Westbrook (PG)
Garrison Mathews (SG)
Raul Neto (PG)
Chandler Hutchison (SF)
Rui Hachimura (PF)
Robin Lopez (C)
Kyle Anderson (SF)
Dillon Brooks (SG)
Brandon Clarke (PF)
Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF)
Ja Morant (PG)
Jonas Valanciunas (C)
Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF)
Jonas Valanciunas (C)
Sean McDermott (SF)
Xavier Tillman (PF)
Injuries
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Russell Westbrook (PG) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 01 / 06 / 21 | 1-0 | 1-0 | + - |
|
Westbrook is nursing a ankle injury, but he is likely to be in the lineup for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers. |
|||||
| Davis Bertans (PF) | Ques Wed | Calf - 31 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 2-0 | + - |
|
Bertans is battling a right calf strain, and it is undetermined if he will suit up for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers. |
|||||
| Ish Smith (PG) | Prob Mon | Groin - 30 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 2-0 | + - |
|
Smith is bothered by a left groin injury, but it is likely that he will face the 76ers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round. |
|||||
| Russell Westbrook (PG) | Prob Mon | Ankle - 30 / 05 / 21 | 1-1 | 2-0 | + - |
|
Westbrook is hindered by a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers. |
|||||
| Russell Westbrook (PG) | Ques Sat | Ankle - 27 / 05 / 21 | 1-2 | 2-1 | + - |
|
Westbrook is bothered by a right ankle injury, and it remains to be seen if he will be in the lineup for Game 3 of the Eastern conference first round versus the 76ers. |
|||||
| Garrison Mathews (SG) | Prob Sun | Wrist - 15 / 05 / 21 | 3-3 | 3-3 | + - |
|
Mathews is managing a wrist injury, but he is expected to face the Hornets on Sunday. |
|||||
| Raul Neto (PG) | Prob Tues | Hamstring - 14 / 05 / 21 | 4-3 | 3-4 | + - |
|
Neto is dealing with a hamstring injury, but he is likely to be active for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In versus the Celtics. |
|||||
| Chandler Hutchison (SF) | Prob Thurs | Knee - 06 / 05 / 21 | 6-4 | 7-4 | + - |
|
Hutchinson was lifted from the last game due to a left knee contusion, but it is projected that he will play against the Raptors on Thursday. |
|||||
| Rui Hachimura (PF) | Prob Sat | Illness - 05 / 05 / 21 | 7-4 | 8-4 | + - |
|
Hachimura has been sidelined while going through the NBA's health and safety protocols, but it is projected that he will return against the Pacers on Saturday. |
|||||
| Robin Lopez (C) | Prob Wed | Ankle - 26 / 04 / 21 | 11-5 | 11-6 | + - |
|
Lopez missed the last game with a left ankle sprain, but it is projected that he will take on the Lakers on Wednesday. |
|||||
| player (position) | status | ats*current | o/u* | notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Anderson (SF) | Ques Sun | Thumb - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-6 | 4-3 | + - |
|
Anderson sat out the previous game with right thumb soreness, and it is up in the air if he will play Sunday against the Warriors. |
|||||
| Dillon Brooks (SG) | Ques Sun | Knee - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-6 | 4-3 | + - |
|
Brooks was absent from the lineup during the last game due to left knee soreness, and there is no indication if he will participate in Sunday's showdown with the Warriors. |
|||||
| Brandon Clarke (PF) | Ques Sun | Thigh - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-6 | 4-3 | + - |
|
Clark sat out the previous game with right thigh soreness, and it is unknown if he will line up for Sunday's battle with the Warriors. |
|||||
| Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF) | Out Fri | Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-6 | 4-3 | + - |
|
Jackson Jr. will be held out of the lineup for Friday's clash with the Kings as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Ja Morant (PG) | Ques Sun | Back - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-6 | 4-3 | + - |
|
Morant was held out of the last game due to back soreness, and it is uncertain if he will take the court versus the Warriors on Sunday. |
|||||
| Jonas Valanciunas (C) | Ques Sun | Back - 14 / 05 / 21 | 1-6 | 4-3 | + - |
|
Valanciunas missed the last game due to a back injury, and it is unknown if he will play against the Warriors on Sunday. |
|||||
| Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF) | Out Tues | Rest - 11 / 05 / 21 | 2-7 | 5-4 | + - |
|
Jackson Jr. will not be in the lineup on Tuesday versus the Mavericks, as he will be given a day of rest. |
|||||
| Jonas Valanciunas (C) | Ques Thurs | Back - 11 / 05 / 21 | 2-7 | 5-4 | + - |
|
Valanciunas missed the last game due to back soreness, and it is unknown if he will take the court on Thursday against the Kings. |
|||||
| Sean McDermott (SF) | Out indefinitely | Foot - 06 / 05 / 21 | 4-8 | 6-6 | + - |
|
McDermott is out of the lineup with left foot soreness, and there is no timetable for recovery. |
|||||
| Xavier Tillman (PF) | Ques Mon | Illness - 06 / 05 / 21 | 4-8 | 6-6 | + - |
|
Tillman sat out the previous two contests with an illness, and it remains to be seen if he will take the court against the Pelicans on Monday. |
|||||
-
Line History
Sports Interaction customers are placing their bets on:
time fav line total Opening 9 Mar 8:49pm WAS -2.5 -110 O +238 -110 Closing 10 Mar 9:15pm WAS -3.5 -110 O +237 -110 -
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Wizards Team Leaders
Points 31.3
Assists 11.74
Rebounds 11.54
FG% 68.1
Steals 1.37
Blocks 1.78
Points 19.11
Assists 7.38
Rebounds 12.52
FG% 59.2
Steals 1.22
Blocks 1.64
Points 30
Assists 11.8
Rebounds 10.4
FG% 84.6
Steals 1.4
Blocks 2
Points 30.2
Assists 8.2
Rebounds 9.8
FG% 57.9
Steals 2.8
Blocks 1.2
-
- Regular Season
- Playoffs
Grizzlies Team Leaders
Points 31.3
Assists 11.74
Rebounds 11.54
FG% 68.1
Steals 1.37
Blocks 1.78
Points 19.11
Assists 7.38
Rebounds 12.52
FG% 59.2
Steals 1.22
Blocks 1.64
Points 30
Assists 11.8
Rebounds 10.4
FG% 84.6
Steals 1.4
Blocks 2
Points 30.2
Assists 8.2
Rebounds 9.8
FG% 57.9
Steals 2.8
Blocks 1.2
-
Injuries
Russell Westbrook (PG)
Prob Wed Ankle - 01 / 06 / 21Davis Bertans (PF)
Ques Wed Calf - 31 / 05 / 21Ish Smith (PG)
Prob Mon Groin - 30 / 05 / 21Russell Westbrook (PG)
Prob Mon Ankle - 30 / 05 / 21Russell Westbrook (PG)
Ques Sat Ankle - 27 / 05 / 21Garrison Mathews (SG)
Prob Sun Wrist - 15 / 05 / 21Raul Neto (PG)
Prob Tues Hamstring - 14 / 05 / 21Chandler Hutchison (SF)
Prob Thurs Knee - 06 / 05 / 21Rui Hachimura (PF)
Prob Sat Illness - 05 / 05 / 21Robin Lopez (C)
Prob Wed Ankle - 26 / 04 / 21Kyle Anderson (SF)
Ques Sun Thumb - 14 / 05 / 21Dillon Brooks (SG)
Ques Sun Knee - 14 / 05 / 21Brandon Clarke (PF)
Ques Sun Thigh - 14 / 05 / 21Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF)
Out Fri Rest - 14 / 05 / 21Ja Morant (PG)
Ques Sun Back - 14 / 05 / 21Jonas Valanciunas (C)
Ques Sun Back - 14 / 05 / 21Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF)
Out Tues Rest - 11 / 05 / 21Jonas Valanciunas (C)
Ques Thurs Back - 11 / 05 / 21Sean McDermott (SF)
Out indefinitely Foot - 06 / 05 / 21Xavier Tillman (PF)
Ques Mon Illness - 06 / 05 / 21Injuries
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Russell Westbrook (PG) Prob Wed Ankle - 01 / 06 / 21 1-0 1-0 + - Westbrook is nursing a ankle injury, but he is likely to be in the lineup for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers.
Davis Bertans (PF) Ques Wed Calf - 31 / 05 / 21 1-1 2-0 + - Bertans is battling a right calf strain, and it is undetermined if he will suit up for Game 5 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers.
Ish Smith (PG) Prob Mon Groin - 30 / 05 / 21 1-1 2-0 + - Smith is bothered by a left groin injury, but it is likely that he will face the 76ers in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round.
Russell Westbrook (PG) Prob Mon Ankle - 30 / 05 / 21 1-1 2-0 + - Westbrook is hindered by a right ankle sprain, but it is anticipated that he will be active for Game 4 of the Eastern Conference first round versus the 76ers.
Russell Westbrook (PG) Ques Sat Ankle - 27 / 05 / 21 1-2 2-1 + - Westbrook is bothered by a right ankle injury, and it remains to be seen if he will be in the lineup for Game 3 of the Eastern conference first round versus the 76ers.
Garrison Mathews (SG) Prob Sun Wrist - 15 / 05 / 21 3-3 3-3 + - Mathews is managing a wrist injury, but he is expected to face the Hornets on Sunday.
Raul Neto (PG) Prob Tues Hamstring - 14 / 05 / 21 4-3 3-4 + - Neto is dealing with a hamstring injury, but he is likely to be active for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Play-In versus the Celtics.
Chandler Hutchison (SF) Prob Thurs Knee - 06 / 05 / 21 6-4 7-4 + - Hutchinson was lifted from the last game due to a left knee contusion, but it is projected that he will play against the Raptors on Thursday.
Rui Hachimura (PF) Prob Sat Illness - 05 / 05 / 21 7-4 8-4 + - Hachimura has been sidelined while going through the NBA's health and safety protocols, but it is projected that he will return against the Pacers on Saturday.
Robin Lopez (C) Prob Wed Ankle - 26 / 04 / 21 11-5 11-6 + - Lopez missed the last game with a left ankle sprain, but it is projected that he will take on the Lakers on Wednesday.
player (position) status ats*current o/u* notes Kyle Anderson (SF) Ques Sun Thumb - 14 / 05 / 21 1-6 4-3 + - Anderson sat out the previous game with right thumb soreness, and it is up in the air if he will play Sunday against the Warriors.
Dillon Brooks (SG) Ques Sun Knee - 14 / 05 / 21 1-6 4-3 + - Brooks was absent from the lineup during the last game due to left knee soreness, and there is no indication if he will participate in Sunday's showdown with the Warriors.
Brandon Clarke (PF) Ques Sun Thigh - 14 / 05 / 21 1-6 4-3 + - Clark sat out the previous game with right thigh soreness, and it is unknown if he will line up for Sunday's battle with the Warriors.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF) Out Fri Rest - 14 / 05 / 21 1-6 4-3 + - Jackson Jr. will be held out of the lineup for Friday's clash with the Kings as he will be given a day of rest.
Ja Morant (PG) Ques Sun Back - 14 / 05 / 21 1-6 4-3 + - Morant was held out of the last game due to back soreness, and it is uncertain if he will take the court versus the Warriors on Sunday.
Jonas Valanciunas (C) Ques Sun Back - 14 / 05 / 21 1-6 4-3 + - Valanciunas missed the last game due to a back injury, and it is unknown if he will play against the Warriors on Sunday.
Jaren Jackson Jr. (PF) Out Tues Rest - 11 / 05 / 21 2-7 5-4 + - Jackson Jr. will not be in the lineup on Tuesday versus the Mavericks, as he will be given a day of rest.
Jonas Valanciunas (C) Ques Thurs Back - 11 / 05 / 21 2-7 5-4 + - Valanciunas missed the last game due to back soreness, and it is unknown if he will take the court on Thursday against the Kings.
Sean McDermott (SF) Out indefinitely Foot - 06 / 05 / 21 4-8 6-6 + - McDermott is out of the lineup with left foot soreness, and there is no timetable for recovery.
Xavier Tillman (PF) Ques Mon Illness - 06 / 05 / 21 4-8 6-6 + - Tillman sat out the previous two contests with an illness, and it remains to be seen if he will take the court against the Pelicans on Monday.