The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans meet Friday in NBA action at the Smoothie King Center. Here’s a Pelicans vs Grizzlies Prediction. This article will include a Pelicans vs Grizzlies Pick.
Memphis Grizzlies Betting Preview
The Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Rockets and Hornets, and they play the Timberwolves next. The Grizzlies have lost 10 of their last 14 games.
The Memphis Grizzlies are averaging 114.8 points on 45.4 percent shooting and allowing 116.3 points on 46.2 percent shooting. Ja Morant is averaging 19.5 points and 3.3 rebounds, while Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 19 points and 1.9 assists. Cedric Coward is the third double-digit scorer, and Santi Aldama is grabbing 6.7 rebounds. The Memphis Grizzlies are shooting 34.7 percent from beyond the arc and 80 percent from the free-throw line. The Memphis Grizzlies are allowing 35.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 46 rebounds per game.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans beat the Spurs, lost to the Thunder, and they play the 76ers next. The Pelicans have lost 15 of their last 19 games.
The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 114.4 points on 46 percent shooting and allowing 121.2 points on 48.3 percent shooting. Trey Murphy III is averaging 21.9 points and 6 rebounds, while Zion Williamson is averaging 22 points and 6.2 rebounds. Saddiq Bey is the third double-digit scorer, and Jordan Poole is dishing 3.1 assists. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 33.7 percent from beyond the arc and 78.5 percent from the free-throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 35.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44 rebounds per game.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Pelicans have won each of their last 10 games as home favorites.
- The Grizzlies have lost seven of their last eight games on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last seven games as home favorites.
- The Grizzlies have failed to cover the spread in 10 of their last 11 games on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Why the Memphis Grizzlies will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last nine home games following a road loss.
- The Grizzlies have won each of their last eight road games against Western Conference opponents that held a losing record.
- The Grizzlies have covered the spread in each of their last six road games against Western Conference opponents that held a losing record.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine home games on the first leg of a back-to-back against Western Conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Eight of the Pelicans’ last nine home games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Grizzlies’ last four games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Herb Jones is one of only two players in the league to have recorded 8+ steals in a game this season.
- Zion Williamson ranks 2nd amongst qualified Forwards for FG% (58.3%) this season.
Memphis Grizzlies Player Facts
- Jaren Jackson Jr. is one of only three qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.5 threes and 1.5 blocks this season.
- Cam Spencer ranks 4th amongst qualified players for FT% (92.3%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Pelicans have recorded the largest comeback win from a HT deficit this season – trailed by 22 points vs Rockets on December 18.
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint (2838) this season.
- The Grizzlies are one of only two teams to record four or more wins when trailing by a margin of 10+ points through Q1 this season.
- The Grizzlies are one of only two teams to record five or more losses when leading by a margin of 10+ points at HT this season.
Pelicans vs Grizzlies Injury Report
The Pelicans will be without Dejounte Murray.
The Grizzlies will be without Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Scotty Pippen Jr., Ja Morant, and Santi Aldama. Ty Jerome is doubtful.
Pelicans vs Grizzlies Prediction
The Grizzlies have lost 7 of their last 9 games and continue to deal with Morant trade rumors. It looks like the Grizzlies are counting down the days until the all-star break so they can regroup. The Pelicans beat the Grizzlies on the road last week as 5-point underdogs, and they have a clear and away health edge. It’s weird seeing the Pelicans in the favorite role, but this has more to do with the suck of the Grizzlies more than anything. I have to lay the bucket with the Pels at home.