The Philadelphia 76ers are set to square off against the Memphis Grizzlies in a highly anticipated NBA showdown on Tuesday, December 31, 2025. Both teams enter the contest looking to shake off recent adversity and build momentum as the season edges closer to its midpoint. With the 76ers sporting a 16-14 record and the Grizzlies at 15-17, this matchup promises plenty of intrigue, drama, and, if the betting lines are any indication, a razor-thin margin of error.
Philadelphia’s recent slide has been a cause for concern among fans and analysts alike. The Sixers are currently riding a three-game losing streak, a stretch that’s seen them tumble to seventh in the Eastern Conference. Their woes have been exacerbated on the road, where they’ve dropped three of their last four outings and posted a 4-6 record over their last ten away games. Even more troubling is their performance against Western Conference opponents: a paltry 3-7 record so far this season. That’s not the kind of trend you want when you’re about to face a Western foe on their home court.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, aren’t exactly coasting. Sitting ninth in the Western Conference, Memphis is staring down the possibility of a play-in tournament berth if they can’t string together a consistent run. Still, the Grizzlies have shown flashes of resilience, winning three of their last five home games and notching at least 122 points in three of those contests. They also hold the psychological edge, having swept both meetings with Philadelphia last season and winning four of the last five games against the Sixers when playing at home.
Both teams will be dealing with significant injury issues heading into this first meeting of the season. Memphis has a lengthy list of absentees: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, John Konchar, Ty Jerome, Vince Williams Jr., and Javon Small are all confirmed out, while Jock Landale is listed as questionable. Philadelphia, on the other hand, will be without Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford, and star center Joel Embiid is questionable. If Embiid can’t suit up—or if his minutes are limited—Philadelphia’s task becomes even steeper.
As far as betting goes, the oddsmakers have pegged this as one of the closest contests of the night. The spread sits at MEM +1.5 (-118) and PHI -1.5 (-102), with the total points line set at 234.5, the second-highest of the NBA slate for December 31. The moneyline reflects just how tight this game is expected to be: PHI -115 and MEM -105. With home advantage and a slightly better run of recent form, many analysts are leaning toward Memphis as the best value pick, even as underdogs.
Statistically, there are plenty of individual performances to watch. For Memphis, rookie Cedric Coward has been turning heads. He’s averaging 2.9 assists per game this season and has bumped that number up to 3.3 over his last ten games in December. In seven of his last nine games, Coward has recorded at least three assists, making the over 2.5 assists prop a popular pick. His ability to create opportunities for teammates could be a difference-maker, especially given the Grizzlies’ injury woes.
For the 76ers, VJ Edgecombe has been a bright spot among the rookies. He’s averaging exactly four assists per game and has surpassed 3.5 assists in four of his last six outings. Edgecombe’s court vision and willingness to distribute the ball have added a new dimension to Philadelphia’s offense, even as the team struggles to find its rhythm.
Of course, all eyes will be on the stars. Ja Morant, Memphis’ dynamic lead guard, has been on a tear from beyond the arc, shooting 50% from three-point range over his last four games. He’s hit at least two threes in four of his last seven contests, including a three-pointer barrage against Washington in his most recent appearance. If Morant stays hot from deep, the Sixers’ perimeter defense will be put to the test.
On the Philly side, Tyrese Maxey has emerged as the team’s go-to scorer, especially with Embiid’s status up in the air. Maxey is averaging a robust 30.7 points per game and has scored at least 28 points in seven of his last eleven games. His aggressive drives, mid-range pull-ups, and improved three-point shooting make him a tough cover for any defense. The over/under for Maxey’s points sits at 27.5, and given his recent form, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him eclipse that mark once again.
In the paint, Memphis will be counting on Jock Landale to hold down the fort, especially with so many big men sidelined. Landale has been a sneaky good rebounder when given minutes, and with Zach Edey out, he’ll be tasked with battling the likes of Embiid—if the Sixers’ big man is cleared to play. The best rebounds prop for Landale is set at over 6.5, a number he’s certainly capable of reaching if the game stays close and the pace remains high.
As for the overall game environment, this matchup is being touted as a DFS and sports betting goldmine. With a high projected total and a close spread, expect plenty of back-and-forth action, fast breaks, and a barrage of three-pointers. Both teams have shown the ability to light up the scoreboard, and with so much at stake, neither side is likely to hold anything back.
Memphis’ recent home success and Philadelphia’s road struggles set up a fascinating narrative. The Grizzlies have scored at least 122 points in three of their last five home games, while the Sixers have seen their defense falter against Western Conference teams. Philadelphia’s 4-6 record in their last ten road games and four losses in their last five trips to Memphis only add to the intrigue. Will the Sixers snap their losing streak, or will the Grizzlies continue their home-court dominance?
With both squads banged up and key players questionable, it’s anyone’s guess how the rotations will shake out. But one thing’s for sure: fans can expect a high-octane battle with playoff implications on the line, even as the regular season grinds on. The tip-off is set for 8:00 PM local time, and you can bet the energy in FedExForum will be electric.
As the Sixers and Grizzlies gear up for this pivotal clash, all eyes will be on the injury reports and the stars who are ready to shine. With history, recent trends, and betting markets all pointing to a tight contest, basketball fans are in for a treat as 2025 comes to a close.