New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Predictions, Odds, Picks

• The New Orleans Pelicans look to remain in Play-In position.
• The Memphis Grizzlies look to take hold of 2nd in the Western Conference.
• The Pelicans and Grizzlies have split the season series so far, 1-1.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Odds

Winning 4 of their last 5 games, the Pelicans offence has been great. The Grizzlies play at a fast pace, on top of their ability to dominate teams in the paint. Memphis’ pace can compete with any team, but New Orleans’ recent defensive form gives them the edge over Memphis.

Picks:

New Orleans Pelicans def. Memphis Grizzlies

Head-to-Head: New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies

Injury Report

How can the Pelicans beat the Grizzlies?

When you look at the New Orleans Pelicans, there is actually a good amount of talent on the team. Where they are lacking is in cohesion and execution, mostly due to a roster that is still getting to know each other.

In their last game, a loss to the Denver Nuggets, the Pelicans got off to a dreadful start. They were beaten 19-35 in the first quarter, but rallied in the second and third despite losing in overtime.

Considering the pace of play that the Grizzlies employ, the Pelicans can’t afford to fall behind early. They have talented scorers in Ingram, McCollum, and Valanciunas – but they’ll need to find their rhythm early to combat the Grizzlies’ speed.

Pelicans Key Player: (F) Brandon Ingram

BRANDON INGRAM, EXCUSE ME??? pic.twitter.com/ZPDnH42fdk

— NBA (@NBA) March 7, 2022

The New Orleans Pelicans have been in decent form as of late, with Brandon Ingram leading the way for them in their last game. Understated but filled with potential, Brandon Ingram can turn the game in his team’s favor in an instant.

In New Orleans’ last game, a loss to the Denver Nuggets, Ingram was unstoppable on offence. He posted 38 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1 block in 40 minutes of play. He was solid from the field, shooting 12 of 24 overall while also converting on 11 of 13 free throws.

Ingram must be proactive for the Pelicans to stay in the game against the Grizzlies. He started off slow in his last game, something that he can’t afford against Memphis.

How can the Grizzlies beat the Pelicans?

The Memphis Grizzlies aren’t known as a halfcourt team, nor are they known as a strong three-point shooting team. In their last game, they showed off come of their weaknesses.

In what was a 123-112 loss to the bottom-feeding Houston Rockets, the Memphis Grizzlies were unable to hit from range. They were 5 of 26 on the night, despite assisting on 27 of 44 made field goals.

Conversion from deep isn’t their strength, but their ability to get to the free throw line did a bit to offset the difference. If Memphis can at least keep the Pelicans defence honest from deep, they should earn a victory.

Grizzlies Key Player: (G) Ja Morant

WHAT IS EVEN HAPPENING, @JAMORANT ? pic.twitter.com/TNxPBy1NcG

— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) March 1, 2022

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant is having a brilliant season, likely one that’ll earn him All-NBA First Team honors. However, from his performance in his last game, Morant will need to bounce back to keep Memphis on the winning trend.

In what as a disappointing loss to the Houston Rockets, Ja Morant was productive but inefficient. He posted 22 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds, but only shot 7 of 20 from the field while committing 5 turnovers.

Morant and the Grizzlies are most effective in transition, as their half court game still needs some work. It will be up to Morant to set the pace for Memphis, and create good opportunities for his team to capitalize on.

How to Watch New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies