Grizzlies Edge Nuggets in Thrilling Finish
Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · FedExForum
Memphis Grizzlies 125, Denver Nuggets 118, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Denver Nuggets vs Memphis Grizzlies?
Memphis Grizzlies beat Denver Nuggets 125-118 at FedExForum on March 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Denver Nuggets vs Memphis Grizzlies?
Denver Nuggets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -750 (about 88% implied). The underdog won.
In an exciting matchup at FedExForum, the Memphis Grizzlies triumphed over the Denver Nuggets with a final score of 125-118. This victory is significant for Memphis, as it not only adds to their home record but also marks a crucial win against a strong opponent. The Grizzlies, who have struggled this season with a record of 24-44, faced the Nuggets, who came in with a solid 42-28 record. This game was particularly noteworthy as it featured a Denver team that had previously led the series 2-1 against Memphis.
Memphis has had a challenging stretch, entering this game with a dismal record of 2-8 over their last ten games, and they were on an eight-game losing streak. Their recent performances have seen them average 116.6 points scored while allowing 121.6 points. In contrast, the Nuggets had a more balanced recent form, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games and a scoring average of 122.0 points while allowing 120.0 points. The Grizzlies' home record stood at 0-3 in their last three games, while the Nuggets had a 3-2 record in their recent away games.
In their previous meetings, the Grizzlies had struggled against the Nuggets, losing four out of their last six encounters. Their last matchup occurred on February 12, 2026, where Memphis lost 116-122. The Grizzlies were looking to turn the tide in this game, and they succeeded in a hard-fought contest.
In terms of injuries, Memphis had several players listed as day-to-day, including Scotty Pippen Jr. (toe), Walter Clayton Jr. (knee), Karim Lopez (undisclosed), and Jaylen Wells (toe). Richie Saunders was ruled out due to a knee injury. For the Nuggets, Aaron Gordon (calf) and Trevon Brazile (undisclosed) were both day-to-day, adding an element of uncertainty to their lineup.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Nuggets favored by 12.5 points, with a total set at 246.5. The odds reflected a strong belief in the Nuggets' ability to dominate, but the Grizzlies proved the odds wrong with their performance.
As the game unfolded, the Grizzlies managed to maintain a narrow lead throughout the contest. Key scoring plays in the fourth quarter included a crucial 32-foot three-pointer from Jamal Murray, which brought the Nuggets within striking distance. However, Memphis responded effectively with free throws from Walter Clayton Jr. and Cedric Coward, sealing their victory.
The conditions in Memphis were conducive to a high-energy game, and the crowd played a significant role in energizing the Grizzlies. Viewers were treated to a display of resilience from Memphis, who, despite their struggles this season, showcased their ability to compete against a playoff-caliber team. The final moments of the game were particularly tense, with both teams exchanging crucial baskets.
Overall, this matchup highlighted the unpredictability of the NBA, where even teams with struggling records can rise to the occasion and secure a vital win against formidable opponents. The Grizzlies' victory serves as a reminder of their potential and determination as they look to finish the season strong.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | DEN -12.5 | 246.5 o -112 / u -108 | Denver Nuggets -750 · Memphis Grizzlies +525 |
Injury report
- Scotty Pippen Jr.Day-To-DayToeMemphis Grizzlies
- Walter Clayton Jr.Day-To-DayKneeMemphis Grizzlies
- Karim LopezDay-To-DayUndisclosedMemphis Grizzlies
- Richie SaundersOutKneeMemphis Grizzlies
- Jaylen WellsDay-To-DayToeMemphis Grizzlies
- Aaron GordonDay-To-DayCalfDenver Nuggets
- Trevon BrazileDay-To-DayUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
Leaders
- PointsTy Jerome21Memphis Grizzlies
- AssistsTy Jerome9Memphis Grizzlies
- ReboundsTy Jerome9Memphis Grizzlies
- PointsNikola Jokic29Denver Nuggets
- AssistsJamal Murray12Denver Nuggets
- ReboundsNikola Jokic14Denver Nuggets
Recent form
Memphis Grizzlies
Last 10: 2-8Streak L8116.6 scored · 121.6 allowed per game0-3 at home
- L107-132at Chicago BullsMar 17
- L110-126at Detroit PistonsMar 13
- L112-120vs Dallas MavericksMar 13
- L129-139at Philadelphia 76ersMar 10
- L115-126at Brooklyn NetsMar 9
- L120-123vs LA ClippersMar 8
- L114-122vs Portland Trail BlazersMar 5
- L110-117at Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 4
- W125-106at Indiana PacersMar 1
- W124-105at Dallas MavericksFeb 28
Denver Nuggets
Last 10: 5-5Streak W1122 scored · 120 allowed per game2-3 away
- W124-96vs Philadelphia 76ersMar 18
- L125-127at Los Angeles LakersMar 15
- W136-131at San Antonio SpursMar 13
- W129-93vs Houston RocketsMar 12
- L126-129at Oklahoma City ThunderMar 9
- L103-142vs New York KnicksMar 7
- W120-113vs Los Angeles LakersMar 6
- W128-125at Utah JazzMar 3
- L108-117vs Minnesota TimberwolvesMar 1
- L121-127at Oklahoma City ThunderFeb 28
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oklahoma City | - | 18 | L2 | .780 | 64 |
| Denver | 10 | 28 | W12 | .659 | 54 |
| Minnesota | 15 | 33 | W2 | .598 | 49 |
| Portland | 22 | 40 | W2 | .512 | 42 |
| Utah | 42 | 60 | L1 | .268 | 22 |
| San Antonio | - | 20 | L1 | .756 | 62 |
| Houston | 10 | 30 | W1 | .634 | 52 |
| New Orleans | 36 | 56 | L2 | .317 | 26 |
| Dallas | 36 | 56 | W1 | .317 | 26 |
| Memphis | 37 | 57 | L8 | .305 | 25 |
Box score
| Stat | Denver Nuggets | Memphis Grizzlies |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 44-90 | 42-98 |
| Field goal % | 49 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 13-36 | 16-49 |
| Three-point % | 36 | 33 |
| Free throws | 17-22 | 25-32 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 78 |
| Rebounds | 46 | 48 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 12 |
| Defensive rebounds | 39 | 36 |
| Assists | 34 | 22 |
| Steals | 6 | 12 |
| Blocks | 5 | 9 |
| Turnovers | 19 | 10 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 27 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 21 | 29 |
| Points in the paint | 58 | 46 |
| Fouls | 24 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 21 | 21 |
| Time in front | 10 | 80 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter85-88Christian Braun makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter86-88Christian Braun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter86-91Taylor Hendricks makes 26-foot three point jumper (Javon Small assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-93Tyler Burton makes running layup (Walter Clayton Jr. assists)
- 3rd Quarter86-94Tyler Burton makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter86-96Taylor Hendricks makes running dunk
- 3rd Quarter87-96Nikola Jokic makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter89-96Nikola Jokic makes 2-foot two point shot (Bruce Brown assists)
- 3rd Quarter89-99Javon Small makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter90-99Bruce Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter91-99Nikola Jokic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter93-99Jamal Murray makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter93-101GG Jackson makes 6-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter95-101Jamal Murray makes two point shot (Bruce Brown assists)
- 4th Quarter95-103Cedric Coward makes 3-foot floating jump shot (Ty Jerome assists)
- 4th Quarter95-104Cedric Coward makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter97-104Tim Hardaway Jr. makes 12-foot pullup jump shot (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter97-105Taj Gibson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-107GG Jackson makes driving layup (Ty Jerome assists)
- 4th Quarter99-107Christian Braun makes running dunk (Nikola Jokic assists)
- 4th Quarter101-107Nikola Jokic makes 7-foot running jump shot (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter103-107Nikola Jokic makes 1-foot dunk (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter105-107Nikola Jokic makes 7-foot driving floating jump shot (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter105-110GG Jackson makes 25-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter105-112GG Jackson makes driving layup (DeJon Jarreau assists)
- 4th Quarter105-114Taylor Hendricks makes driving layup (DeJon Jarreau assists)
- 4th Quarter105-115Olivier-Maxence Prosper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter105-116Olivier-Maxence Prosper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-116Nikola Jokic makes driving layup (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter107-118DeJon Jarreau makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (Walter Clayton Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter110-118Nikola Jokic makes 23-foot three pointer (Cameron Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter110-121Olivier-Maxence Prosper makes 24-foot three point jumper (DeJon Jarreau assists)
- 4th Quarter112-121Christian Braun makes 21-foot jumper (Jamal Murray assists)
- 4th Quarter114-121Nikola Jokic makes 1-foot two point shot (Tim Hardaway Jr. assists)
- 4th Quarter115-121Cameron Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-122Walter Clayton Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter115-123Walter Clayton Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-123Jamal Murray makes 32-foot three pointer
- 4th Quarter118-124Cedric Coward makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter118-125Cedric Coward makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Memphis Grizzlies, below favours Denver Nuggets.
Venue
- FedExForumMemphis, TN
- Attendance15612
- OfficialsEric Lewis, Brian Forte, Kevin Cutler
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These two, other days
- Nuggets Defeat Grizzlies 136-119 at Ball ArenaApr 8, 2026
- Nuggets Edge Grizzlies in Close Contest at Ball ArenaFeb 11, 2026
- Grizzlies vs. Nuggets Game PostponedJan 25, 2026
- Nuggets Defeat Grizzlies 125-115 in Memphis ShowdownNov 24, 2025