The Atlanta Hawks head to FedExForum on Wednesday to face the Memphis Grizzlies. The Hawks are fighting to gain traction after a 4-game losing streak, while the Grizzlies are attempting to stay afloat in the Western Conference standings after a subpar start to their season. With key contributors returning and others still sidelined, this should be a telling matchup on both sides. Here, I break down this NBA matchup and give you my Hawks vs Grizzlies prediction.
Our Hawks vs Grizzlies Pick
| Pick: | |
| Confidence: | 2/5 |
Game Snapshot
- Matchup: Atlanta Hawks @ Memphis Grizzlies
- Date & Time: Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 8:00 PM ET
- Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, Tennessee
- Broadcast: NBA League Pass
Key Storylines
- The Hawks have struggled recently, dropping four straight games and looking inconsistent on defense, particularly on the perimeter and in rebounding. Their offensive output remains respectable, but inefficiencies on the other end of the floor have put them in a precarious position in the East. Key starters Kristaps Porzingis and Zaccharie Risacher are unavailable, creating lineup challenges and limiting their depth. Jalen Johnson has been leading the charge, producing near triple-double numbers and anchoring much of Atlanta’s production. CJ McCollum has also stepped in nicely since being traded to Atlanta from the Washington Wizards.
- Memphis enters this contest with its own inconsistencies, but recent developments could tip the scales in their favor. Star point guard Ja Morant returned from a six-game absence due to a right calf contusion and delivered an impactful performance, scoring 24 points and dishing out 13 assists in his return in England against the Orlando Magic. He has emphasized his commitment to the Grizzlies amid ongoing trade chatter, which could settle distractions entering this game. Memphis has done a ton of international traveling over the last week and it will be interesting to see if that impacts them at all here.
Head-to-Head & Betting Trends
- This is the first of two regular-season meetings between the Hawks and Grizzlies.
- Memphis comes into this game at 18-23 against the spread this season.
- Atlanta is 21-24 against the spread heading into this game.
- The over is 23-22 in games involving the Atlanta Hawks this year.
- Memphis has stayed under the total in 24 of their first 41 games for the season.


