Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans: Injury Report, Predicted Lineups and Starting 5s - 25th October | NBA Season 2023-24

On Wednesday night, the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans will kick off their season against each other. These two franchises will always be connected as they held the top two selections in the 2019 NBA draft. The Pelicans ended up going with Zion Williams No. 1, with Memphis taking Ja Morant at No. 2.

Heading into the season, both of these teams have expectations to be competitive. Even with major question marks surrounding their stars, each squad has a roster that can make noise in the Western Conference.

The Memphis Grizzlies will be looking to stay afloat without Ja Morant, while New Orleans is looking to start the year strong and make a statement.

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Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans injury report:

Looking at the injury report for this matchup, both sides will be without a handful of players. The Memphis Grizzlies have three people listed out, and that doesn't include Ja Morant beginning his 25 game suspension.

1) Santi Aldama - OUT (ankle)

2) Brandon Clarke - OUT (achilles)

3) Steven Adams - OUT (knee)

As for the New Orleans Pelicans, they also have a trio of players who will be on the sidelines for Wednesday's season opener.

1) Jose Alvarado - OUT (ankle)

2) Trey Murphy III - OUT (knee)

3) Naji Marshall - OUT (knee)

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Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans: Potential lineups

With it being the first game of the year, both sides will likely deploy a deep rotation. Because of so many playable guys being on the injury report, it might result in some unlikely players seeing extended minutes to start the year. Here is a look at players who should likely see the floor on Wednesday night.

Grizzlies

• Marcus Smart
• Desmond Bane
• Zaire Williams
• Xavier Tillman
• Jaren Jackson Jr.
• Derrick Rose
• Luke Kennard
• David Roddy
• John Konchar

Pelicans

• CJ McCollum
• Brandon Ingram
• Herbert Jones
• Zion Williamson
• Jonas Valanciunas
• Dyson Daniels
• Larry Nance Jr.
• Kira Lewis Jr.
• Cody Zeller

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Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Potential starting lineups

Heading into their season opener, the Grizzlies have to make a lot of changes to their starting lineup. Along with being without Ja Morant during his suspension, the team announced over the weekend that Steven Adams will be out for the entire year.

The Pelicans will deploy what will likely be their starting five for the whole season. Meanwhile, Taylor Jenkins has to make some adjustments until his roster reaches full strength.

Grizzlies

1) Marcus Smart

2) Desmond Bane

3) Zaire Williams

4) Jaren Jackson Jr.

5) Xavier Tillman

Pelicans

1) CJ McCollum

2) Brandon Ingram

3) Herbert Jones

4) Zion Williamson

5) Jonas Valanciunas