The New Orleans Pelicans will take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night. The Pelicans come in at 7-6, recently topping the Houston Rockets 119-106. For Memphis they're down to 9-5 after a road loss to the Wizards on Sunday. Pelicans' star Zion Williamson is questionable for tonight's matchup, but if he plays, we'll see a battle between the 2019 #1 overall pick versus the 2019 #2 overall pick in Ja Morant. These two teams are loaded with young talent, and we could see them contend in the West for years to come.
The Grizzlies, led by budding superstar Ja Morant, have gotten off to a strong start after an impressive 2021-22 campaign in which they were the #2 seed in the West. Morant comes in averaging 28.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. Morant was sidelined last game, and as a result, Memphis dropped this contest to Washington, who were without star Bradley Beal. The Grizzlies also had several other injuries on Sunday, but center Steven Adams continued his excellent play, tallying 12 points, ten boards, and six dimes.
The Pelicans' Zion Williamson had a near-perfect shooting night, going 8-for-9 from the field and 10-12 from the charity stripe, finishing with 26 points and six assists in the victory. Teammate and one-time All-Star Brandon Ingram chipped in with 20 points of his own, and while CJ McCollum and Jonas Valanciunas had quiet games, expect them to bounce back after their rough shooting performances.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Match Details
Fixture: Memphis Grizzlies @ New Orleans Pelicans
Date & Time: Tuesday, November 15, 7:30 p.m. EDT
Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
The Grizzlies' second-leading scorer, Desmond Bane, has just been diagnosed with a right toe injury, and he's expected to be out for two to three weeks. The good news for Memphis fans is that Jaren Jackson Jr. is expected to make his debut tonight. Jackson Jr. has dealt with a lot of injuries so far in his young career, but last year he did post a career-high 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds, as well as an NBA-best 2.3 blocks per game. When healthy, the Michigan State product is one of the best interior defenders in the league.
New Orleans' Zion Williamson is questionable with a foot injury, and his status should have a huge impact on tonight's game.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds & Spreads
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Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Starting 5s
Grizzlies - PG Ja Morant, SG John Konchar, SF Dillon Brooks, PF Santi Aldama, C Steven Adams
Pelicans - PG CJ McCollum, SG Brandon Ingram, SF Herbert Jones, PF Zion Williamson, C Jonas Valanciunas
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Prediction
In Zion's career, he's gone 4-0 versus his former AAU teammate, Ja Morant. If Zion is declared out, the Pelicans should still be in good shape, as they have Ingram, McCollum, and Valanciunas, who are all capable of scoring in bunches. Memphis, without Bane, will try to replace his 24.7 points per game, but it won't be easy. The Grizzlies have also gone 0-5 against the spread in their last five road games, so expect New Orleans to win and cover at home.
Prediction: Pelicans -3.5 (-107)
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