Memphis Grizzlies: Contributor score predictions vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Memphis Grizzlies will look to extend their unexpected stretch of elite basketball in a home contest against the Philadelphia 76ers. The 76ers are easily the best team that Memphis will have played since Ja Morant went down with an injury, so this could be a tough one for the Grizz.

The Grizzlies will be missing Morant again along with Ziaire Williams, Brandon Clarke, and Sam Merrill. Steven Adams was recently upgraded from doubtful to questionable, joining Jaren Jackson Jr. in that category.

But can this Memphis team continue to do the impossible and beat a loaded 76ers squad? They’ll look to win their eighth game out of their last nine contests against a 15-12 Philly team.

Will the Memphis Grizzlies pull it out against the Philadelphia 76ers? Our contributors weigh in.

Jack Williams (Site Expert): I really want to pick the Grizzlies here. They’ve been red-hot and the only reason anybody would not choose them to win would be based on preseason biases. That said, I just can’t pick a team that may not have its two best players and starting center out against a true NBA Playoff squad that just beat the best team in the league in the Golden State Warriors. I’ll take the 76ers here, as I don’t think the Grizz have any way of stopping Joel Embiid. If it’s any consolation, I had a jarringly bad record this year so far — I’m almost always wrong.

Grizz 98, 76ers 112

Will Jones: The Memphis Grizzlies have more than exceeded expectations since Ja Morant went down. The FO has been flexing with the Grizzlies deep bench producing and winning games. Unfortunately, our reserves are no longer going to shock teams and the 76ers are going to provide horrible mismatch’s and I think this is a tough loss. Final Score:

Grizz 88, 76ers 115

Noah Hancock: Looks like Michael’s Secret Stuff from space jam is working as the Grizzlies are red HOT right now! With this hot streak going on, a wonderful jersey retirement of an all-time great from Memphis on Saturday, this Grizzlies team should be more than motivated to beat Philly. Steven Adams and JJJ will have their hands full on defense trying to stop Joel Embid, but I think the Grizzlies will continue to put the league on notice with a solid win.

Grizz 103, 76ers 98

Jacob Ellerbee: This may be the toughest game yet during Ja Morant’s absence. Philadelphia is 6-4 in their last 10 games, while Memphis is 7-3. The Grizzlies are likely to be down to just having two starters available as Morant is still out, Steven Adams is doubtful and JJJ is questionable to play. The shorthanded Grizz will have a tough time slowing Joel Embiid using mostly reserves. Philly wins this one.

Grizz 97, 76ers 118