Atlanta Hawks vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction | 01.21.26

Atlanta Hawks vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 21-01-2026

As the NBA regular season progresses, an intriguing inter-conference clash awaits on January 21, 2026, at 8:00 PM EST, as the Atlanta Hawks (20-25) travel to the FedExForum to face the Memphis Grizzlies (18-23). This matchup pits two teams navigating challenging seasons, with injuries significantly impacting both rosters, setting the stage for a gritty battle in Memphis.

Atlanta Hawks vs Memphis Grizzlies Matchup Preview

Atlanta Hawks Key Stats & Trends

The Atlanta Hawks enter this contest with a middling record, largely relying on the sensational all-around play of Jalen Johnson. Johnson has emerged as their undisputed leader, averaging a remarkable 23.0 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. His comprehensive rating of 23.0 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.5 BPG underscores his critical importance to Atlanta’s offense and overall functionality. Despite Johnson’s heroics, the Hawks have struggled for consistency, particularly on the defensive end. Their offensive flow can be dynamic, but without key frontcourt presences, they face challenges in interior scoring and rebounding.

Injury Report Atlanta Hawks

• Zaccharie Risacher (Out): The Hawks announced Monday that Risacher (knee) will be re-evaluated in one week.
• Kristaps Porzingis (Out): The Hawks announced Monday that Porzingis (Achilles) will be re-evaluated in one week.
• N’Faly Dante (Out): Dante will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a torn ACL in his right knee.

Memphis Grizzlies Key Stats & Trends

The Memphis Grizzlies have been decimated by injuries this season, significantly impacting their ability to build momentum. Their offensive output has been inconsistent, with Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the scoring charge with 18.8 points per game. Santi Aldama has been crucial on the glass, pulling down 6.7 rebounds, while Cam Spencer manages the playmaking with 5.4 assists. Despite the team’s struggles, Ja Morant (19.3 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 7.8 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.2 BPG) remains a dynamic threat when healthy, but the collective absence of multiple key players forces others into expanded roles they may not be ready for.

Injury Report Memphis Grizzlies

• Santi Aldama (Day-to-day): Aldama is questionable for Wednesday’s game versus the Hawks due to right knee soreness.
• Ty Jerome (Out): Jerome is out for Wednesday’s game against the Hawks due to a right calf strain.
• Scotty Pippen Jr. (Out): The Grizzlies announced Wednesday that Pippen is progressing well in his recovery from left toe surgery and is expected to return in 4-6 weeks.
• Zach Edey (Out): The Grizzlies announced Wednesday that Edey continues to recover from a stress reaction in his left ankle and will maintain his current plan of offloading and rehabilitation before being re-evaluated in six weeks.
• Brandon Clarke (Out): Clarke is progressing well from his Grade 2 right calf strain and is expected to return in four to six weeks, the Grizzlies announced Wednesday.

Atlanta Hawks vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction & Best Bet

Considering the extensive injury reports for both squads, this game will come down to which team can better overcome its depleted roster. While the Hawks are missing key frontcourt pieces in Porzingis and Risacher, the Grizzlies’ injury list is far more crippling, impacting their depth across multiple positions and significantly hindering their offensive flow. With Jalen Johnson in stellar form, providing elite scoring, rebounding, and playmaking, the Hawks possess a clear advantage in star power and a more cohesive offensive identity. The Grizzlies will struggle to generate consistent offense without Aldama (if he misses the game), Jerome, Edey, and Clarke. Therefore, we predict the Atlanta Hawks to secure the win.

Given the significant absences on both sides, particularly the Grizzlies’ offensive struggles, the total points line of 239.5 seems elevated. The pace might slow, and both teams could find it difficult to consistently score at a high clip. Our pick for the total points is under 239.5.