New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 26/12/2023, 03:13  by Kennedy Kechula in NBA Predictions

The New Orleans Pelicans will entertain the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA for the second time in a week. They arrive for this fixture sitting seventh in the Western Conference, seven games above 13th placed Memphis. The Pelicans have stuttered in recent outings and have lost twice in three games. The first defeat came at the hands of their next opponents and ended a four game winning run. In the first meeting of the season a week ago, the Pels were defeated 115-113 at home by Memphis. They would win their next match but last time out were defeated 106-104 by the Rockets. The loss was their 13th of the season and left them four games above .500. Willie Green’s men have registered 11 of their wins against fellow West teams. Matt Rayan remains sidelined with a calf issue while Larry Nance Jr and Cody Zeller are ‘Questionable’.

The Memphis Grizzlies are on a roll at the moment. Since winning the last time they were in New Orleans, Taylor Jenkins’ men have won three in a row. This is their longest winning run this season and only the second time they have won successive games. It is therefore no coincidence that this has coincided with the return of star guard Ja Morant. Morant made his season debut in the Pelicans game where he poured in 34 points plus the game winner. He has scored at least 30 points twice since his return. The Grizzlies were 125-119 victors away to the Hawks last time out. It was their ninth win of the season and the seventh to come away from home. Memphis, who are averaging 118.7 points in this three game stretch, have played better when away from home. The Southwest Division franchise could have Marcus Smart available here as he is listed as ‘Questionable’.