Pelicans Struggling, Grizzlies On the Rise: A Key Western Conference Clash
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies: A Clash of Struggling and Rising Teams in the West
The New Orleans Pelicans (5-14) will travel to Memphis to face the Memphis Grizzlies (9-10) on Friday night in a crucial Western Conference showdown. Despite high hopes entering the season, the Pelicans have found themselves at the bottom of the standings, battling through a series of injuries that have derailed their campaign. Meanwhile, the Grizzlies, after a rough start to the 2023-24 season, are beginning to hit their stride, thanks in large part to the return of star guard Ja Morant.
The game, set for 5:10 p.m. EST, will feature two teams headed in opposite directions: one trying to stay afloat amid injuries and setbacks, and the other shaking off early-season struggles and finding its rhythm.
Pelicans’ Sinking Ship: Injuries Plague New Orleans’ Season
Entering the season with a revamped roster and high expectations, the Pelicans have been hit hard by injuries to key players like Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Herbert Jones. Williamson, still sidelined with a hamstring issue, remains the biggest question mark, and there’s no definitive timeline for his return. McCollum and Dejounte Murray have both recently returned to the lineup, but their presence hasn’t been enough to spark a turnaround for New Orleans.
The Pelicans have dropped five straight games and 11 of their last 12, with their most recent defeat coming in a 119-93 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. In that game, the absence of leading scorer Brandon Ingram (who missed the game due to injury) was felt deeply. New Orleans struggled to get anything going offensively, shooting just 38% from the field and 29% from three.
On the offensive end, the Pelicans rank last in the NBA in scoring and 27th in field goal percentage. Their struggles from beyond the arc have also been a major issue, as they sit 29th in three-pointers made per game and 23rd in three-point shooting percentage. They also rank in the bottom third of the league in offensive efficiency and turnovers.
Defensively, New Orleans has shown little improvement. The Pelicans rank 22nd in scoring defense and are allowing opponents to shoot 27th in field goal percentage and 3-point shooting. They’ve struggled to force turnovers, ranking just 19th in forced turnovers and 29th in defensive efficiency. Without their key players healthy and contributing consistently, the Pelicans are finding it difficult to get stops, and their offensive output has suffered.
Memphis Grizzlies Heating Up: Morant’s Return Energizes the Team
While the Pelicans continue to flounder, the Memphis Grizzlies have quietly regained their footing. After a tumultuous start to the season, the Grizzlies have been on a roll, winning four of their last five games. Much of Memphis’ resurgence can be attributed to the return of Ja Morant, who came back this week after serving his suspension. In his first game back, Morant led the Grizzlies to a blowout victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring 19 points and contributing to a dominant 131-111 win.
Even without Morant in the lineup for their next game against the Detroit Pistons, Memphis cruised to another victory, led by Marcus Smart, who scored a season-high 25 points. The Grizzlies shot nearly 55% from the field, showcasing their offensive depth. Their ability to win games with different players stepping up is a testament to their growing chemistry.
Memphis ranks 2nd in the NBA in scoring, averaging 118.5 points per game, and has been incredibly efficient offensively, ranking 5th in field goal percentage and 16th in three-point shooting. The Grizzlies also do a good job of limiting turnovers, ranking 8th in offensive efficiency despite a 29th ranking in turnovers per game. Defensively, Memphis has been solid, ranking 4th in field goal defense and 7th in 3-point defense. They’re also 7th in forced turnovers and 2nd in total rebounds per game.
As Morant settles back into his role, the Grizzlies’ offense is looking more dynamic, and their defense is steadily improving. With the Grizzlies finally healthy and firing on all cylinders, Memphis is a team to watch in the crowded Western Conference.
Conclusion
The Memphis Grizzlies are riding high on momentum after Ja Morant’s return and will look to build on their recent success. Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans are stuck in a rut, struggling with injuries and a lack of offensive efficiency. Memphis’ superior depth, defense, and offensive execution make them the clear favorites in this matchup, but if New Orleans can get back to full strength, they might have the firepower to compete.
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