Memphis GrizzliesAbrir el análisis completoVSWashington WizardsAbrir el análisis completo

The Washington Wizards edged the Memphis Grizzlies 116–112 on December 28 at Capital One Arena in a defensive battle that finished below the Vegas total of 241.5 points. Ja Morant's Memphis squad got a dominant performance from Jaren Jackson Jr., who led all scorers with 31 points, while Morant added 21 points in the losing effort. Washington countered with Alonzo Sarr's 20 points and CJ McCollum's 16, though neither team shot efficiently—the Grizzlies connected on just 41.7 percent from the field while the Wizards managed 42.4 percent. Memphis's perimeter attack generated nine three-pointers to Washington's eight, and the visitors dominated the glass with 43 rebounds to 54 for the home side. The decisive quarter came in the second period, when Washington outscored Memphis 35–32 to build separation, though the Grizzlies mounted a fourth-quarter push that fell just short. Washington's defensive rating of 94.7 proved marginally superior to Memphis's 101.8, a small but crucial edge that held in the final moments. The result keeps Washington competitive in the Eastern Conference race while Memphis absorbs another close road loss.