The Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans will face off Tuesday night in New Orleans. Using data and other tools, in this post we’ll be making our Grizzlies-Pelicans prediction and picks, highlighting Ja Morant and Zion Williamson. For more NBA best bets, be sure to visit the OddsShopper tool.
The Grizzlies are 9-5 coming off a 10 point loss at the Wizards on Sunday night 102-92 without Ja Morant who was nursing a sore ankle. The Pelicans are 7-6, coming off a 13-point home win against the Houston Rockets 119-106 on Saturday.
Best Grizzlies-Pelicans Predictions & Odds
This line opened with New Orleans as -1.5-point home favorites and early money is on the Pelicans pushing the line up to -3.5. The total opened 221.0 and has jumped eight points to 229. Both sides have significant injury questions leading into tonight’s game with the Grizzlies listing Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. as game-time decisions. Early indication is Bane will not play and Jackson will be on a minutes restriction in his season debut.
The concern on the Pelicans side is Zion Williamson and the status of his right ankle. The Pelicans have a game Wednesday night and he could be held out tonight. His status changed from questionable to game-time decision Tuesday morning. Bettors should head to DraftKings Sportsbook to tail the following Grizzlies-Pelicans odds and predictions.
Pelicans 5-1 vs. Grizzlies at Home in Last Six
The Pelicans are 7-6 through 13 games and have not won or lost more than two in a row. The strength of this team is its offense as they have scored at least 111 points in 12 out of 13 games. They have played the 6th toughest schedule with an adjusted net rating of +4.0 which is also 6th in the league. The Pelicans are 8th in adjusted offensive rating and 11th in adjusted defensive rating. So despite the 7-6 record, their body of work is respected by oddsmakers and bettors as this line has moved to -3.5 despite the question marks around Zion. The Pelicans also have some history on their side in this series as they are 5-1 at home in their last six meetings against the Grizzlies.
This is the deepest and healthiest Pelicans team since they drafted Zion in 2019 as they are led by Williamson at 23.5 points per game, 6.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals. Brandon Ingram is averaging 21.4 points per game along with 5.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.9 blocks. Shooting guard C.J. McCollum has been in a bit of a shooting funk over his last four games going 15 for 57 (26%) and 4 for 24 (17%) from 3-point range.
Jaren Jackson Jr. to Make Season Debut
JJJ is a huge piece to the Grizzlies potential NBA title hopes and he makes his season debut tonight, but is only projected for 20 minutes. He is one of the best defenders in the league and makes this Grizzlies team elite when he is on the court.
The Grizzlies will be without their second best player Desmond Bane as he was sidelined Sunday and is listed as doubtful with a toe issue. He is a significant piece to their team and is a Most Improved Player award candidate averaging 24.7 points per game.
The Grizzlies are a much better team at home with a 5-1 record versus 4-4 on the road. They are 12th in adjusted offensive rating, 17th in adjusted defensive rating, and 14th in adjusted net rating. MVP candidate Ja Morant will have to rise to the occasion in prime time again in order for the Grizzlies to keep it close and have a shot to win tonight.
Final Prediction & Pick
The early line move on the Pelicans suggests that Zion is going to play tonight which is understandable as this is a prime time game at home on TNT against the Grizzlies and Ja Morant. If Zion is ruled out, we will see this line move to pick em or even Memphis as a slight favorite which would make it a no play.
The key here is the extra rest, recent history, and absence of Bane which has me leaning towards the Pelicans.
Final Grizzlies-Pelicans Best Bet: Pelicans -3.5
