MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Memphis Grizzlies used a massive first-quarter outburst to overpower the Orlando Magic 126-109 on Sunday at FedExForum. Memphis raced to a 40-23 lead after the opening period and maintained a double-digit advantage the rest of the way before a crowd of 18,424. The Grizzlies, who led 72-53 at halftime, avenged a home-and-home loss to Orlando from three days prior. The victory improved Memphis to 18-23 on the season, while Orlando fell to 23-19. The total score went under the betting over/under line of 227.5. Ja Morant and Jock Landale led the Grizzlies’ key performances, while Wendell Carter Jr. and Paolo Banchero paced the Magic.

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — Ja Morant returned to the lineup with 24 points and 13 assists, and the Memphis Grizzlies erupted for 40 points in the first quarter to set the tone for a commanding 126-109 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday at FedExForum. The game, played before a crowd of 18,424, served as a decisive rebuttal by the Grizzlies just three days after Orlando secured a 118-111 win in Berlin, the first leg of a two-game European set. Memphis improved to 18-23 with the win, while Orlando fell to 23-19. The most critical phase of the contest was its explosive start. Memphis came out scorching, hitting five of its first seven shots and forcing two early Orlando turnovers to build a 17-6 lead within the first four minutes. The Grizzlies’ offensive barrage never relented in the opening period. They shot 65% from the field in the quarter, assisted on 10 of their 16 made baskets, and capitalized on six Magic turnovers to fuel a relentless transition attack. By the time the first quarter ended with GG Jackson’s dunk at the 33.6-second mark, Memphis held a commanding 40-23 lead, having never trailed. Morant, playing 28 minutes in his return, was the catalyst. He scored or assisted on 19 of Memphis’s first 40 points, dictating the pace and finding teammates for easy looks. His backcourt partner, Jock Landale, provided a massive boost off the bench, scoring 10 of his 21 points in the first quarter alone. Landale finished with eight rebounds and three assists. Orlando, visibly staggered by the initial onslaught, spent the rest of the game attempting to climb out of the hole. The deficit ballooned to 33 points in the second quarter before the Magic showed signs of life. A 14-4 run late in the third quarter, capped by a Paolo Banchero three-pointer early in the fourth, cut the Memphis lead to 108-91 with 8:15 remaining. Banchero led Orlando with 16 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Anthony Black added 19 points and six assists. Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 18 points and seven rebounds. However, the Magic’s early miscues and defensive lapses proved too much to overcome. Every time Orlando threatened to make the game competitive, Memphis had an answer. After Banchero’s three-pointer made it a 17-point game, the Grizzlies responded with a quick 6-0 spurt, highlighted by a Landale tip-in and a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope jumper, to push the lead back to 23 and effectively seal the outcome. Beyond Morant and Landale, the Grizzlies received balanced scoring. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 17 points, while Cedric Coward added 13. Memphis finished the game shooting 54% from the field and dished out 35 assists on 49 made baskets, a testament to their unselfish, free-flowing offense. The Grizzlies also dominated in the paint, outscoring Orlando 62-48, and converted 18 Magic turnovers into 27 points. Orlando, which entered the game as a 5.5-point favorite according to sportsbooks, was outplayed from the opening tip, with the total score of 235 falling under the pregame over/under line of 227.5. The victory snaps a two-game skid for Memphis and provides momentum as they head into a six-game homestand. Orlando, which had won two straight and seven of its last ten, will look to regroup after a flat performance in the transatlantic finale.

Preview: Magic Look to Sweep Season Series Against Grizzlies MEMPHIS, Tenn. (Interstat) — The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies will meet for the second time in four days Sunday at FedExForum, with the visiting Magic aiming for a quick regular-season series sweep. Orlando (23-18) won the first matchup 118-111 at home on Thursday, led by Paolo Banchero’s 26 points and 13 rebounds. The Magic have won three of their last four games and sit in the upper tier of the Eastern Conference. The Grizzlies (17-23), struggling to find consistency, have lost five of their last seven. They will look to defend their home court and split the season series. A key matchup will feature All-Star forwards Paolo Banchero and Jaren Jackson Jr., who dueled effectively in the recent game. Banchero is averaging 24.2 points, 9.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists over his last 10 games, showcasing his versatile offensive repertoire. Jackson scored 30 points against Orlando on Thursday and is averaging 21.6 points over his same 10-game stretch. Beyond the stars, Orlando received a significant boost from guard Anthony Black, who had 21 points and seven assists in Thursday’s win. Memphis will need more from its supporting cast after rookie Cam Spencer’s 11-assist performance was overshadowed by the loss. The Magic have been strong offensively, scoring 118 or more points in four of their last five wins. The Grizzlies, however, have allowed 117 or more points in four of their last five losses, highlighting a defensive vulnerability Orlando will seek to exploit. Orlando begins a three-game road trip with this contest, while Memphis opens a brief two-game homestand before embarking on a lengthy road trip later this month. Tip-off is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026.