New York Knicks Look To Capitalize Against Shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies 

Kimberly McClary
Memphis Grizzlies guard DeJon Jarreau (77) shoots.

The New York Knicks will end their four-game road trip tonight when they travel to Memphis to face off against the Memphis Grizzlies. Hoping to end their current three-game losing streak, the Knicks will look to end this road trip with a win, and this matchup could be their chance to do just that. Memphis has lost five straight games and is 1-9 in its last 10 matchups. 

Game Details

Date: Wednesday,  April 1, 2026

Time: 8:00 p.m. EDT

Location: FedExForum in Memphis, TN

TV/Streaming: MSG Network/NBA League Pass and Fubo

Odds: Spread: Knicks -14.5, Grizzlies +14.5; Moneyline: Knicks -1000, Grizzlies +700, Total (O/U): 227.5 

Team Form & Recent Results

Knicks Form (48-28)

  • They have gone 2-3 in their last five games, are currently on a three-game losing streak, and lost their last matchup against the Houston Rockets on March 31, 111-94. 
  • In their last five games, they have shown a clear divide between elite scoring and inconsistent defensive focus, particularly on their recent road trip.
  • Strengths: elite offensive efficiency, strong three-point shooting, star power reliability, free throw accuracy
  • Weaknesses: bench scoring depth, defensive lapses on the road, rebounding struggles, road inconsistency 
  • Injuries: Landry Shamet-Questionable (right knee tibial plateau contusion)

Grizzlies Form (25-50)

  • They have gone 1-4 in their last five games, losing their last matchup against the Phoenix Suns on March 30, 131-105.
  • In their last five games, they have shown flashes of high-scoring potential but have been consistently undermined by a severely depleted roster and a struggling defense.
  • Strengths: high-volume three-point shooting, strong playmaking, interior scoring, emergence of young talent
  • Weaknesses: defensive collapse, turnover issues, severe depth issues, rebounding deficit
  • Injuries: Ja Morant-Out for the season (left elbow UCL sprain); Zach Edey-Out for the season (left ankle/elbow surgery); Brandon Clarke-Out for the season (right calf strain); Santi Aldama-Out for the season (right knee surgery); Scotty Pipen Jr.-Out for the season (right big toe surgery); Kentavious Caldwell-Pope-Out for the season (right pinky surgery); Jaylen Wells-Out for the season (right big toe surgery); Ty Jerome-Out for the season (left ankle sprain); Taylor Hendricks-Doubtful (right finger/thumb); Taj Gibson-Questionable (right foot/toe soreness)

Key Players to Watch

Knicks

Despite the Knicks’ most recent losses, Point Guard Jalen Brunson has remained an offensive engine, averaging 26 points and 6.7 assists over the last five games. The Grizzlies are currently without their primary rim protector in Edey, which should leave a massive void in the paint that Center Karl-Anthony Towns should be able to exploit as both a rebounder and floor-spacer.

OG Anunoby is the leader of the Knicks’ defense, and although his scoring can fluctuate, his ability to disrupt passing lanes and get his hands on the ball is elite.

Projected Starting Lineup:

  1. Jalen Brunson (PG)
  2. Josh Hart (SG)
  3. Mikal Bridges (SF)
  4. OG Anunoby (PF)
  5. Karl-Anthony Towns (C)

Grizzlies

Forward Jalen Jackson Jr. has become the team’s primary offensive engine during their injury crisis. He is averaging 19.2 points over the last five games. Forward Tyler Burton was the hero in the Grizzlies’ lone win against the Chicago Bulls, leading the team with 18 points. Guard Javon Small is one of the few healthy ball-handlers left. Offensively, the Grizzlies need Small to limit turnovers and facilitate for the shooters. 

Forward Taylor Hendricks provides much-needed size and rim protection for the squad. He is listed as doubtful in the injury report, and without him, the Grizzlies will likely struggle to contain Towns and Mitchell Robinson in the paint.

Projected Starting Lineup:

  1. Javon Small (PG)
  2. Cedric Coward (SG)
  3. Ryan Rupert (SF)
  4. GG Jackson II (PF)
  5. O-Max Prosper (C)

Knicks Appear To Have the Advantage On Both Ends

The Knicks’ offense holds a significant advantage over the Grizzlies defense heading into tonight’s game. The Knicks rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Grizzlies’ defense ranks 24th in the league, allowing 119.2 points per game. The Grizzlies offense will have its hands full against a Knicks defense that ranks among the league’s elite, although they have had their recent struggles while on the road.

Knicks Offense vs Grizzlies Defense

Memphis allows 17.7 second-chance points per game, which is the highest in the NBA. This can play directly into the Knicks’ strength, as they rank fourth in offensive rebounding. The Knicks also lead the league in made three-pointers per 100 possessions, to which the Memphis defense has struggled to close out on shooters, allowing opponents to shoot 119.3 points per game recently.

Head Coach Tuomas Iisalo’s Grizzlies do have an elite ability to generate steals, averaging 8.9 steals per game, which is the 9th in the NBA.

Grizzlies Offense vs Knicks Defense

Without Morant, the offense has plummeted to the lowest point per game in the NBA at 105.8. Towns and Anunoby anchor a defense that allows the fewest points in the paint in the Eastern Conference. With the Grizzlies currently relying on young guards, they have struggled to find high-percentage shots inside. Their best chance lies in their high-volume three-point shooting.

Head Coach Mike Brown’s Knicks have been “shaky” on their current road trip with their perimeter defense; if it stays loose, the Grizzlies could keep the game close using shots from beyond the arc.

Prediction

Predicted Winner: Knicks

Projected Score: Knicks 120, Grizzlies 110

Win Probability: ESPN Matchup Predictor gives the Knicks an 80.4% chance to win, while the Grizzlies have a 19.6% chance.

Over/Under: 227.5 points

What to Expect In Tonight’s Matchup?

After a winless three-game road trip, expect the Knicks to play with high intensity early. They are currently third in the Eastern Conference, but only one game ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers. With the Grizzlies missing nearly their entire rotation, the Knicks will likely look to build a massive lead early to rest starters like Brunson, Towns, and Hart in the fourth quarter. The Knicks’ talent and size should be overwhelming for the injury-riddled Grizzlies.