The New Orleans Pelicans, currently with a record of 10-36, will face off against the Memphis Grizzlies, who sit at 18-24, on Friday evening. The game is set to take place at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, with tip-off scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
In their previous encounters this season, the Grizzlies have triumphed in both matchups, demonstrating a narrow edge with a cumulative victory margin of just 11 points. The last meeting ended in thrilling fashion, with Memphis winning 133-128 in overtime back in late November.
The Pelicans are grappling with a recent slump, having lost three consecutive games, the latest being a 112-104 setback against the Detroit Pistons. Despite a solid performance from Saddiq Bey, who scored 20 points, New Orleans struggled offensively, particularly from beyond the arc, shooting only 22% from three-point range.
Conversely, Memphis faces its own challenges, having lost two of its last three games, including a close 124-122 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 23 points and 12 assists, but the team was unable to secure a win despite his efforts.
BetMGM Sportsbook has set the odds for the game with the Pelicans listed at +180 on the moneyline and the Grizzlies at -220. The point spread favors Memphis by 5.5 points. The over/under line for total points is set at 239.5.
In terms of injury concerns, the Pelicans are missing key players, including Jose Alvarado, while Herbert Jones is questionable. The Grizzlies also have several significant injuries, including Morant, who will not play, further complicating their situation as they seek to maintain their position in the standings.
Experts predict a potential upset in favor of the Pelicans with a forecasted score of 125-119, encouraging bettors to consider the value in betting on New Orleans. The Pelicans have been competitive against Memphis so far this season, making Friday’s contest an intriguing matchup despite the teams’ differing records.
Both teams have displayed offensive potential, with the Pelicans scoring at least 116 points in five of their last seven games. This trend suggests a likelihood of hitting the over on total points scored, especially considering the Grizzlies have also leaned towards higher scoring, surpassing 122 points in their last two games.
As fans gear up for what promises to be an exciting showdown, the anticipation for this matchup highlights the unpredictability of sports and the potential for underdogs to shine in challenging circumstances.