Rising Grizzlies Look to Overcome Pelicans' Struggles
Grizzlies Look to Extend Lead, Pelicans Hope for Zion’s Return
The Memphis Grizzlies (20-10) will face off against the New Orleans Pelicans (5-25) in a Western Conference clash on Friday, scheduled for 8:00 PM EST at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. Memphis enters the game after a back-to-back against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, while the Pelicans are coming off their second home game of the week, hosting the Houston Rockets.
This game will be a crucial one for both teams. The Grizzlies, sitting in third place in the West, look to continue their strong play as they aim to extend their lead, while the Pelicans hope to turn the tide after enduring a tough season plagued by injuries and a poor win-loss record.
Memphis Grizzlies: Riding High, But Close to the Edge
The Memphis Grizzlies have quietly positioned themselves as one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference. Despite limited media attention, the Grizzlies currently sit third in the West, just a half-game behind the second-place Houston Rockets, but also only half a game ahead of the Dallas Mavericks in fourth place. Memphis has won two of their last three games but will be playing on the second night of a back-to-back following Thursday’s game against the Toronto Raptors.
The Grizzlies’ offensive dynamism, led by Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., continues to impress. Jackson, who is averaging 21.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, has solidified his status as one of the best two-way players in the league. The 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year, Jackson leads Memphis with 1.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Morant, just behind him with 21.3 PPG, also adds 7.9 assists per game. Morant has been on a scoring tear lately, dropping 20+ points in four of his last five contests.
Desmond Bane, one of the league’s premier outside shooters, contributes 15.1 PPG, including two three-pointers per game on 34.7% shooting from beyond the arc. Additionally, Zach Edey, when healthy, provides strong rebounding and scoring at 10.6 PPG and 7.5 RPG, rounding out Memphis’ well-balanced offensive attack. Santi Aldama, the versatile big man off the bench, adds another dimension with 13.3 PPG and a team-high 7.4 RPG.
Offensively, Memphis ranks as the top-scoring team in the NBA, averaging 122.7 points per game. Their fast-paced style of play, leading the league in possessions per game, has been a key factor in their success. However, their defense ranks 15th in the league, allowing 113.0 points per game, a slight concern when facing higher-scoring opponents.
New Orleans Pelicans: Struggling Without Their Stars
The New Orleans Pelicans have been in freefall this season, holding the worst record in the Western Conference. With a 5-25 mark, New Orleans has been beset by injuries to their top two stars, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, who have both been sidelined for significant stretches. The Pelicans are currently riding a seven-game losing streak, most recently falling to the Denver Nuggets despite a solid 25-point effort from rookie Jordan Hawkins.
The bright spot for New Orleans this season has been the development of CJ McCollum, their top scorer at 20.6 points per game. McCollum is also the team’s best three-point shooter, making 2.6 triples per game on 35% shooting. He led the Pelicans in their recent loss to the Nuggets with 24 points and 9 assists. Trey Murphy III, who has been improving as of late, adds 19.3 PPG but is listed as questionable for this game due to an ankle injury.
With Williamson (foot) and Ingram (knee) still sidelined, the Pelicans are looking to younger players like Jordan Hawkins, who has shown flashes of potential, and Yves Missi, the 6’11” rookie averaging 9.7 PPG and 8.6 RPG. Missi impressed with 21 points in a recent outing against the Nuggets, showing that New Orleans’ future could look brighter with him in the mix.
However, New Orleans’ offense has been inefficient this season. They rank last in the league in scoring, averaging just 105.7 points per game, and their defense has been porous, ranking 25th by allowing 117.2 points per game. The Pelicans will need a complete team effort to stand a chance against the high-powered Grizzlies.
Conclusion
The Memphis Grizzlies enter this game with the clear advantage, having a deeper and more consistent lineup compared to the injury-riddled Pelicans. While New Orleans has shown resilience, especially from their younger players, they will struggle to contain Memphis’ offensive firepower led by Morant, Jackson, and Bane. Furthermore, with Zion Williamson still sidelined, the Pelicans lack the star power to match Memphis’ high-flying offense.
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