NBA fans are in for a treat tonight as the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies square off in a cross-conference clash at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. The matchup, set for 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, marks the first of two meetings between these teams in the 2025-26 NBA season, and it’s the opening act of a high-profile Coast 2 Coast Tuesday doubleheader on NBC10 and Peacock. With both squads desperate to get back in the win column, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Philadelphia 76ers arrive in Memphis carrying the weight of a three-game losing streak. Their most recent setback, a lopsided 129-104 defeat at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder, exposed some of the team’s current vulnerabilities—most notably, the absence of Joel Embiid. Embiid, who’s been nursing both ankle and knee issues, sat out the Thunder game and remains questionable for tonight’s contest. According to the latest reports, his status is still up in the air, leaving fans and bettors alike on edge. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford are also sidelined, further testing Philadelphia’s depth.
Despite these challenges, the 76ers have shown resilience. They sit seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 16-14 record and have managed a 10-7 mark in games without Embiid this season. That’s no small feat, especially considering they’ve used 17 different starting lineups—tied for the second most in the NBA. The team’s adaptability has largely hinged on the stellar play of Tyrese Maxey, who has emerged as one of the league’s brightest young stars. Maxey is averaging a scorching 30.7 points per game, good for third in the NBA, trailing only Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Alongside rookie VJ Edgecombe, who’s quickly gaining attention as a potential breakout star, the 76ers’ starting backcourt is generating 44.7 points per game—second-best among NBA duos.
“Maxey has been the engine for this team all season,” noted an NBC Sports analyst. “He’s not just scoring in bunches, he’s also setting the tempo for everyone else on the floor.” In the loss to Oklahoma City, Maxey poured in 28 points, with supporting contributions from Quentin Grimes (13 points), Paul George (12), and Justin Edwards (12). The 76ers’ offense, when clicking, can be a handful for any opponent, but consistency has been elusive during this recent skid.
On the other side, the Memphis Grizzlies are no strangers to adversity either. After stumbling out of the gates with a 4-11 start, they’ve clawed their way back into the Western Conference playoff picture, now sitting ninth at 15-17. The Grizzlies have won 11 of their last 17 outings, showing flashes of the tenacity that defined their recent postseason runs. However, injuries continue to haunt the roster. Key contributors like Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Ty Jerome, John Konchar, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Vince Williams Jr. are all out, while Jock Landale is listed as questionable. The absence of Edey and Clarke, two of their top rebounders, has forced Memphis to get creative on the glass.
Even so, the Grizzlies are holding their own in the paint, averaging 46.0 rebounds per game—fifth-best in the league. Santi Aldama leads the active roster with 6.7 rebounds per contest, and the team boasts five players averaging over 5.0 rebounds. Once Edey returns, his 11.0 rebounds per game through 11 starts should only bolster Memphis’ interior presence. Offensively, the Grizzlies have leaned on the dynamic duo of Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. Jackson Jr. recently erupted for 31 points and 8 rebounds in a tight 116-112 loss to the Washington Wizards, while Morant chipped in 21 points. The pair have alternated as the team’s leading scorers over the last six games, keeping defenses guessing and the offense humming.
“Ja Morant’s playmaking opens up so much for everyone else,” said an NBA insider. “Even if he’s not the top scorer, his ability to break down defenses gives guys like Jackson and Aldama room to operate.”
From a betting perspective, the oddsmakers have pegged this as a virtual toss-up. The Grizzlies are slight favorites at -1.5, while the 76ers are +1.5 underdogs. The over/under sits at 233.5, reflecting expectations for an up-tempo, high-scoring affair. Memphis has been solid as a favorite, posting an 11-4 record in that role, but they’re just 7-8 at home and 15-17 against the spread (ATS) overall. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is 7-6 on the road and a robust 17-13 ATS, including a 9-4 mark as road warriors. However, they’ve struggled as underdogs, going 4-11 in that spot.
History slightly favors Memphis, who are 7-3 outright and 6-4-1 ATS in their last 10 meetings with Philadelphia. The total has gone over in four of the 76ers’ last six games but under in 13 of the Grizzlies’ last 20, suggesting some unpredictability in the scoring department.
Tonight’s game isn’t just a test of talent; it’s a battle of attrition. The availability of Joel Embiid looms large. If he suits up, the 76ers’ offense gets a massive boost, especially in the paint, where they already average 47.5 points per game. Without Embiid, the onus falls squarely on Maxey and the supporting cast to keep pace. The Grizzlies, short-handed but gritty, will look to exploit their rebounding edge and capitalize on home-court energy.
For viewers, the matchup is part of a blockbuster NBA evening on NBC10 and Peacock, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons set to follow at 10:30 p.m. Eastern. Peacock is featuring 100 regular-season NBA games this year, making it a must-have for hoops fans eager to catch all the action live or on demand.
As tip-off approaches, the tension is palpable. Both teams are hungry for a win to steady their seasons. Will Maxey’s scoring heroics and Edgecombe’s emergence be enough to snap the 76ers’ skid? Or can Jackson Jr. and Morant keep Memphis rolling despite their injury woes? With so many variables in play—especially Embiid’s status—tonight’s showdown promises drama, energy, and a glimpse into the playoff aspirations of two resilient squads.
One thing’s for sure: fans tuning in on NBC10 and Peacock are in for a compelling night of NBA basketball as the 76ers and Grizzlies battle for momentum heading into the new year.