Memphis Grizzlies (8-19) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (17-12)
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans 12/26/23 – On Tuesday night at the Smoothie King Center, Memphis will face New Orleans Pelicans who boast an 8-19 record, while their opponents boast 17-12 success. Tip-off time for this game is set for 8:00 PM ET tip-off and broadcast via BSNO with considerable interest among handicappers picks and tips given the two opposing teams’ different dynamic.
Memphis Grizzlies’ performance this season has been underwhelming. Averaging 106.4 points per game on offense alone has not been enough to consistently secure wins; their 43.7% field goal percentage and 33.7% three-point shooting have been cause for concern. Defensively they have shown promise with 7.5 steals and 6.3 blocks per game but this has yet to translate to victories given high turnover (14.2 per game) and foul (21.1) rates that prevent momentum building during games.
On the other side of things, New Orleans Pelicans have had an outstanding start to their season, scoring an average of 116.1 points per game and being highly efficient offensively with 48.3% field goal percentage and 36.9% three point field goal percentage respectively. Their rebounding (44.3 per game) has also played an essential role in controlling games and creating extra scoring opportunities; however they should remain mindful of their turnovers (12.9 per game), which may present Memphis with scoring opportunities.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans 12/26/23 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, December 26, 2023, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Smoothie King Center |
| TV: | BSNO |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Ja Morant (PG) vs. Brandon Ingram (SF)
In just 2 games this season, Ja Morant has reminded everyone why he is one of the most exciting players in the NBA. The electric point guard is averaging 27 points, 5.5 rebounds and 8 assists per contest. However, Morant’s risky style of play also leads to turnovers, giving up the ball 3.5 times a night. He faces a tough defensive matchup against the lengthy Brandon Ingram.
Brandon Ingram has taken on more playmaking duties for New Orleans this year, resulting in career-highs in assists (5.3 APG) and turnovers (2.8 TOPG). However, Ingram remains an elite scorer, putting up 23.3 points per game on 48% shooting. With Morant still on a minutes restriction in his return from injury, look for Ingram to have a productive night.
These two small forwards love to attack the basket and shoot difficult shots. While both are prone to turning the ball over, they are also capable of catching fire from the field on any given night. This matchup may come down to which star receives more support from his teammates.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be finalized. However, based on the current form and standings, the Pelicans might be the favorites. Bettors should monitor the odds closely, considering the Grizzlies’ potential for an upset and the Pelicans’ strong home record.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting Trends
The Grizzlies have shown significant inconsistency both overall and against the spread. Their 7-7 record in road games against the spread indicates an unpredictable performance while their tendency for games going under total points suggests they take an approach cautious when making high-scoring predictions.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
The Pelicans have shown strong recent performances both overall and against the spread. Their balanced home/away spread record suggests consistency; and an increasing tendency of their games going over total points indicates higher-scoring matches that could influence over/under bets.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans 12/26/23 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis, the Pelicans seem to be the more stable choice, particularly with their home-court advantage and stronger overall record. However, the Grizzlies, led by Morant, cannot be underestimated, especially if they can manage to control turnovers and capitalize on their defensive strengths.
In terms of NBA free predictions, backing the Pelicans for a win seems like a solid choice, but keeping an eye on the total points over/under could offer additional betting opportunities. The exact score prediction is challenging without the final odds, but expect the Pelicans to leverage their home advantage for a potential victory.
Free Pick and Prediction: New Orleans Pelicans 118, Memphis Grizzlies 107