Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
| Game Time | 8:00 pm EST |
| Memphis Grizzlies Line | -9.5 |
| New Orleans Pelicans Line | +9.5 |
| Total | 239.5 |
| TV: | NBA TV |
Below is a detailed analysis for Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans game.
PREGAME WARM-UP:
In this all-Western matchup between two teams playing their second leg of a back-to-back, the New Orleans Pelicans are hosting the Memphis Grizzlies. The Pelicans are playing their third straight home game, but they have been terrible this season, as they have been ravaged by injuries and could never get anything going. They have won just once in their last seventeen games, and are currently the second-worst team in the whole NBA. The Grizzlies are back on the road following a home matchup against the Raptors, and they have been far worse on the road this season.
Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report: Trey Murphy III is day-to-day, Karlo Matkovic, Jose Alvarado, Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson are out
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report: GG Jackson, Marcus Smart, Jay Huff, Vince Williams are out.
New Orleans Pelicans Form and Trends
The Pelicans have a 5-25 record this season and are sitting on the last place of the West. New Orleans is 11-19 against the spread and 14-15-1 in over/under. The Pelicans have a 4-11 home record, and are 8-7 against the spread, with a -5.1-point differential. New Orleans is 1-16 in their last 17 games, but 4-4 against the spread in their last 8. Over is 6-3 in their last 9 games.
The Pelicans are coming off a 129-132 loss by Denver, as they allowed the Nuggets to shoot with 51% from the field. New Orleans had four players with 21+ points, led by Jordan Hawkins with 25 with 5 triples off the bench.
Zion Williamson leads the Pels in scoring with 22.7 points, adding 8 rebounds and 5.3 assists. Brandon Ingram adds 22.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists but both are out with injuries.
Memphis Grizzlies Recent Form and Trends
The Grizzlies have a 20-10 record this season and are sitting on the third place of the Western Conference. Memphis is 20-10 against the spread and 18-12 in over/under. The Grizzlies have a 6-5 road record, and are 8-5 against the spread, with a +6.3-point differential. Memphis is 6-2 in their last 8 games and are 6-2 against the spread. Under is 3-1 in their last 4 games.
The Grizzlies are coming off a 110-114 loss by the Clippers, as they struggled mightily with their shot, connecting to just 38% from the field. Memphis had three players with 21+ points, led by Jaren Jackson Jr with 24 points and 6 rebounds, but shot with just 1-7 from downtown.
Jaren Jackson leads the Grizzlies in scoring with 21.5 points and 5.8 rebounds. Ja Morant adds 21.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and a team-high 7.9 assists.
Statistical Breakdown
Offensively, the Pels are dead last in the league, averaging 105.7 points per game. They shoot 43.7% from the field (29th) and 33.2% from beyond the arc (26th). Defensively, the Pels allow 117.2 points per game, which is just 25th in the league.
Offensively, the Grizzlies are the best team in the NBA, with 122.7 points per game. They have the 6th-best field goal percentage, with 48.6% and a 37% three-point percentage (13th). Defensively, they allow 113 points per game, which ranks 15th in the league.
In their previous meeting earlier this season, the Grizzlies won 120-109 at home. The Grizzlies are 3-1 in their last 4 meetings, and 4-2 in their last 6 meetings in Memphis. Under is 4-1 in their last 5 meetings.
Prediction
In this Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, the Grizzlies are coming as -9.5 home favorites. The Grizzlies are rightfully favored as they are the superior team, but are just 6-5 on the road, winning by just 6.3 points per game. The Pelicans have allowed 132+ points in two of their last three games, while the Grizzlies have the best offense in the NBA, and the Pelicans the 6th-worst defense. The Grizzlies also play with the fastest pace in the league this season, so I expect them to turn this into a shootout, so take the over the point total. Nick’s Free Pick: Over 239.5
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