NBA 2026 Season: Memphis Grizzlies Defense Explained for Online Sports Betting

How the Grizzlies Defend (and Why It Matters for Betting)

Under head coach Taylor Jenkins the Grizzlies built a physical, rebound-heavy, rim-protecting defense. They were known for limiting second-chance points, contesting at the rim, and forcing turnovers in transition.

But for 2025-26: They've lost key pieces or have them injured. Both Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zach Edey are working back from injuries. As a result, their defensive rating in early tracking is closer to 113–114, rather than elite.

For sports betting picks: Home games might still lean under if full-strength, but away games and games with injuries may lean over. Opponent props (especially big-man rebounding, star guard points) may have value when Memphis is shorthanded.

Read more: How Betting Predictions Use Data Trends and Matchups

Don't let injuries blindside your bets. Visit Shurzy's Content Lab for injury-aware betting insights on NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and more.

Three Key Defensive Players (For Betting)

Jaren Jackson Jr. – rim-protector & elite defender

Jackson won the Defensive Player of the Year in 2022-23. He's the anchor inside when healthy, averaging blocks and altering shots.

Betting impact: When Jackson plays full minutes and is healthy, opponent bigs/scorers at the rim have tougher nights. Consider unders for their points or rebounds. When he's out or limited, expect more second-chance points for the opponent and totals move toward the over.

Zach Edey – rookie big with upside on both ends

Edey, a high-pick from 2024, showed promise as a rebounder and shot-blocker in limited minutes. He's recovering from ankle surgery.

Betting impact: His return strengthens Memphis' rim protection and rebound profile, good for unders on second-chance points. If he's delayed, small-ball may be forced and opponent rebound/putback props gain value.

Ja Morant – perimeter pressure (defense & offense interplay)

Morant is widely known for offense, but his athleticism also helps the Grizzlies' transition defense and perimeter scrambles. He's dealing with a sprained left ankle recently.

Betting impact: When Morant is fully active, the Grizzlies can recover defensively after misses and limit transition buckets, good for unders. If he sits or is limited, pace might drop or bench units may allow more fast breaks, raises value in overs.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About NBA Prop Betting

Where The Grizzlies Get Stops (And Where They Leak Points)

Strength: Rebounding & rim protection (when healthy)

Memphis has been among the league's better teams in defensive rebound percentage and blocks when Jackson plus Edey plus others were together.

Betting angle: If you see starting lineup with Jackson/Edey healthy, lean toward under for opponent offensive rebounds and second-chance points. If any are out, those props invert: opponent ORB overs become live.

Weakness: Perimeter defense & pace when rotation shallow

With injuries in the backcourt and changes in wing defenders, the Grizzlies can give up open threes or perform worse on the perimeter.

Betting angle: Opponent wing 3-made overs or high scoring guard props look more viable when Memphis' starters sit or are limited. Full-game totals lean over in those games, especially versus good shooting teams.

Injury/Depth risk

They lost key contributors to injury just before season start. Jackson (toe), Edey (ankle), and forward/bench rotation players have been absent.

Betting angle: Injuries weaken the usual "stop-machine" identity. Expect games to trend more open. If news drops of a late scratch or minute restriction for a defensive anchor, adjust your line belief accordingly.

Read more: Predictions for Spreads, Totals, and Props Explained

How Grizzlies Defense Shows Up In Sports Betting Odds

The books still price Memphis as a competitive team, but the defensive edge they once had has diminished slightly in line pricing. Game totals can be higher than for similar "solid defense" teams because of injury risk and pace. Opponent star props, especially for wings and bigs, may get more aggressive lines.

Read more: Why Matchups Matter in Betting Predictions

Don't let injuries blindside your bets. Visit Shurzy's Content Lab for injury-aware betting insights on NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, and more.

Simple Example: Using Grizzlies Defense In A Betting Angle

Let's say the Grizzlies are at home versus a team with a strong shooting wing and a high-rebounding big. The board shows: Game total 226.5, Opponent team total 113.5, Opponent star wing points line 24.5.

Injury/rotation update: Jackson Jr. out 4-6 weeks (toe), Edey out approximately 6-9 weeks (ankle), Morant questionable (sprained ankle).

Your read: Without Jackson and Edey, Memphis' rim protection and interior rebounding are weakened. That elevates the risk of second-chance points and rebound-heavy opponents. The opponent wing could exploit weaker help rotation.

Possible parlay: Opponent star wing over 24.5 points, Opponent big-man 10+ rebounds, Full game total over 229.5 alt line.

Read more: How to Use Predictions Without Blindly Following Them

Best Angles For NBA Sports Betting For Memphis Grizzlies (Defense Edition)

Lean under or cautious over when: Jackson Jr. and Edey are both active and playing full minutes. Morant is healthy and running transitions well. Opponent offense is average (not elite).

Be more open to overs when: One or both of Jackson/Edey are out or limited. Morant is absent or limited. The opponent has a high-volume three-point attack, a strong rebounder, or both.

Prop ideas: Opponent big-man rebound overs when Memphis is lacking interior bigs. Opponent wing points and three overs if Memphis' perimeter units are light.