Pelicans vs Grizzlies: Can the Pelicans Maintain Their Offence Without McCollum?

• The New Orleans Pelicans look to close out their two-game road trip with a win!
• The Memphis Grizzlies hope to cut their losing streak at two.
• The Pelicans won their earlier meeting with the Grizzlies this season, 113-102.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Predictions and Picks

The Memphis Grizzlies are on a two-game losing streak, where they've struggled to contain their opponents on offence. Even without CJ McCollum, the diversity of the Pelicans' attack should be enough to overcome their opponents.

Picks:

New Orleans Pelicans def. Memphis Grizzlies

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

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New Orleans Pelicans Game Notes: Can the Pelicans Maintain Their Offence Without McCollum?

The New Orleans Pelicans are looking to push their winning streak to three in a row when they face the Memphis Grizzlies. They'll be missing CJ McCollum for this meeting, but that hasn't slowed their excellent offence in recent games.

The New Orleans Pelicans own the league's third-best scoring offence, averaging 117.6 points per game. They shoot the ball very well from the field, averaging 48.9% shooting from the field and 38.5% from three - both fourth overall in their respective categories.

The Memphis Grizzlies aren't the defensive team that they've been in years past, but the Pelicans still need to be wary of their presence inside. If they can continue to shoot well from the field, the Pelicans should push their win streak to three games.

Pelicans Key Player: (G) Jose Alvarado

The New Orleans Pelicans are privileged to have Jose Alvardo available to them, especially in their last outing with CJ McCollum unavailable. Against the New Orleans Pelicans, Alvarado will be charged with slowing down NBA All-Star Ja Morant.

In his last game Alvarado got the start and played 29 minutes. He posted 5 points, 9 assists, and 3 rebounds on 40% shooting from the field and 50% shooting from three-point range. He did an excellent job running the offence, while also maintaining his defensive pressure by collecting 3 steals.

Alvarado has a tall task trying to contain Ja Morant. In order to help the Pelicans to victory he'll need to limit Morant's shot quality, while also improving on the 5 turnovers he committed in his last game.

Memphis Grizzlies Game Notes: The Grizzlies Must Control New Orleans' Three-Point Attack

The Memphis Grizzlies are coming off of a two-game losing streak when they take on the New Orleans Pelicans. Coming up against one of the league's best three-point shooting teams, the Grizzlies need to tighten up their perimeter defence.

The Grizzlies are in the bottom third of the NBA in terms of three-point defence. They allow teams to shoot 36.5% from the field, just 21st in the NBA. Over their last two games, both losses, the Grizzlies have allowed teams to shoot 51.4% from the field and 39.2% from three-point range.

The Pelicans are a team that that don't make a tremendous amount of threes (11.6 per game), but they've got excellent efficiency (38.5% per game). The Grizzlies have held their opponents to under 38.5% from three in 10 of their last 18 games, their 8-2 record in those games foreshadows their success.

Grizzlies Key Player: (G) Dillon Brooks

The Memphis Grizzlies are coming off of a loss in their last game. While they were competitive in their effort, much was left to be desired by Canadian guard Dillon Brooks. If he can put up an efficient effort against the Pelicans, the Grizzlies have a good chance at victory.

In his last game, a loss to the Sacramento Kings, Brooks posted 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Unfortunately, he posted his numbers on just 37.5% shooting from the field and failed to convert on any of his three three-point field goals.

The Grizzlies shot just 8 of 30 from deep in their last game, a number that could've been remedied by a more productive Brooks. To beat the interior strength of the Pelicans, Brooks needs to be a capable secondary option to Morant.

How to Watch New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies

• Who: New Orleans Pelicans & Memphis Grizzlies
• Where: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
• When: 8:00 PM EST, Friday, November 25th, 2022
• How to Watch: NBA TV, NBA League Pass (Stream)