Memphis Grizzlies: Forecasting the rest of December — can they continue to defy the odds?

The Grizzlies will play the 76ers at home, followed by a two-game road trip to the west coast, and then end the week at home against Portland.

Dec. 13 Memphis Grizzlies vs Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers, currently 14-12 on the season, have been without the services of Ben Simmons all year due to a trade demand. All-Star big man Joel Embiid has missed time due to Covid-19, which left him short of breath and terrible migraines. He’s working his way back into the swing of things, the Grizz will be at home and will probably be favored to win.

Dec. 15 @ Portland Trail Blazers

This will be the team’s first road game since Dec. 6 and it’s a long haul to Portland. However, Portland has taken a step back this season, currently sitting at 11-15 on the season. Damian Lillard has been battling a lingering abdominal issue and has caused him to miss some games this season. He should be back in time for this game, which will be a tough assignment for Tyus Jones and De’Anthony Melton. Memphis got roasted by 20 points against the Blazers early in the season and Portland will win this one too, despite missing CJ McCollum.

Dec. 17 @ Sacramento Kings

The Grizzlies already dispatched the Kings once this season, defeating them by 27 at home in late November. Sacramento is starting to figure out how to use their talented corp of De’Aaron Fox, Davion Mitchell, and Tyrese Halliburton. The Kings will be hungry to avenge their big loss weeks earlier. The Grizz struggle on the road to a Kings team that is beginning to click.

Dec. 19 vs Portland Trail Blazers

The team will be back at home for the first time in nearly a week. Hopefully, Brandon Clarke and Ziaire Williams will be healthy and back into the rotation by this game. Grizz get the win at home over Portland.