The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans do battle Wednesday night in NBA action at the FedExForum. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview

The Memphis Grizzlies won 51 games last year, have made the playoffs in each of the last 3 years, and enter the fifth season under coach Taylor Jenkins. The Grizzlies said goodbye to Dillon Brooks and added Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose. Smart brings that defense and toughness Brooks brought, while Rose could be a pleasant veteran mentor to Ja Morant who will be suspended the first 25 games of the season. A trio of Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane is good enough to put them in the convo to come out of the West. Adding Smart helps, but losing Steven Adams for the year hurts. Even with Morant missing time, the Grizzlies will have their say come playoff time, as the core of this team aren’t babies anymore.

New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview

The Pelicans have won 78 games the last two seasons and enter the third year under coach Willie Green. The Pelicans didn’t do much to replace losing Jaxson Hayes, Josh Richardson, Garrett Temple and Willy Hernangomez. The Pels did draft Jordan Hawkins in the first round and signed Cody Zeller, but that’s about it. The Pelicans main focus is making sure Zion Williamson is healthy and in shape. If that’s a case, the Pelicans are a legit threat in the West when you add CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram and Jonas Valanciunas. Depth may be an issue with the Pelicans, but they have one of the best starting fives in the league if Zion is healthy. Hopefully the big fella can stay on the court.

Randy’s Pick

As I’ve mentioned in the past, the New Orleans Pelicans are a team I’m high on entering the season, and I’m going to be behind them a lot. If Zion can stay healthy, the Pels have a chance to be a dark hose in the West this season. The Memphis Grizzlies enter this contest limited as they lost Adams for the season, Ja is suspended and Santi Aldama and Brandon Clarke are also out with injuries. If the Pelicans are as good as I think they can be, these are games they win. Give me the free point with the road team.