Memphis Grizzlies (20-10) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (5-25)
December 27, 2024 8:00 pm EDT
The Line: New Orleans Pelicans +9.5; Over/Under: +238.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The New Orleans Pelicans play host to the Memphis Grizzlies at the Smoothie King Center on Friday night. Here’s a New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction. This article will include a New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Pick.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies have been in great shape as they’ve won seven of their last nine games overall and they will be eager to stay hot after beating the Raptors in a 155-126 home win last night. Zach Edey led the team with 21 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks, Jaren Jackson Jr added 21 points with 11 rebounds and six assists while Desmond Bane chipped in with 19 points.
As a team, the Grizzlies shot 53 percent from the field and 18 of 45 from the 3-point line as they hit the ground running with 43 points in the first quarter and they just kept their foot on the gas till the final buzzer to finish with a season-high 155 points. The Grizzlies will meet the Thunder and Suns after this game.
New Orleans Pelicans
Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have continued their nightmare season as they’ve lost 26 of their first 31 games overall and they will be hoping to arrest an eight-game slide after getting smashed by the Rockets in a 128-111 home defeat last night. Trey Murphy led the team with 21 points, Dejounte Murray and Brandon Boston scored 17 points each while CJ McCollum chipped in with 13 points.
As a team, the Pelicans shot 43 percent from the field and 12 of 37 from the 3-point line as they got off to a terrible start and were always fighting an uphill battle after getting outscored by 39-22 in the first quarter. The Pelicans trailed in this game by as many as 30 points at one stage before they finished with a flurry in the fourth quarter to keep the final scores somewhat respectable.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win
- The Grizzlies have won each of their last 12 games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last 11 games following a home loss.
- The Grizzlies have covered the spread in each of their last 10 night games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six home games against Southwest Division opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Grizzlies’ last seven games against Western Conference opponents has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Pelicans’ last six night games against Southwest Division opponents has gone OVER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction
The Grizzlies are still missing Marcus Smart and Jay Huff, while the Pelicans are still without Brandon Ingram, Jose Alvarado, and Zion Williamson. The Grizzlies open as clear favorites in this one as they’ve been on fire and are coming into this one fresh off a monster win over the Raptors where they were able to rest their starters early, while the Pelicans are coming into this one fresh off another blowout defeat after losing to the Rockets last night. The Grizzlies have been on a tear lately and I think that trend continues as the Grizzlies win by double digits on the road.
