Memphis vs. New Orleans Pick: Grizzlies’ Resilience Against Pelicans’ Form

Memphis Grizzlies (9-19 SU, 12-16 ATS) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (17-13 SU, 17-13 ATS)

When: Tuesday, December 26th, 8:00 PM (ET)

Where: Smoothie King Center, LA, New Orleans

TV: BSNO

Point Spread: Mem +4.5/NO -4.5

Total: 229

Money Line: Memphis Grizzlies +164/-201

Notable Injuries

Grizzlies

• Derrick Rose (Out) Hamstring
• Marcus Smart (Questionable) Foot
• Steven Adams (Out) Knee
• Luke Kennard (Out) Knee
• Brandon Clarke (Out) Achilles

Pelicans

• Cody Zeller (Questionable) Ankle
• Larry Nance Jr. (Doubtful) Rib
• Matt Ryan (Out) Elbow

Recent Form

Heading into today’s game against the Pelicans, the Grizzlies are 9-19 overall. In Western Conference matchups, the Grizzlies are 6-16 while going 3-3 in non-conference games.

Overall, the Pelicans are 17-13 this season and are 1-2 in their last three games. In Western Conference play, the Pelicans are 11-11 compared to 6-2 in non-conference games.

The Historicals

In terms of betting, Memphis has an ATS record of 3-2 in the previous five matchups vs New Orleans. This mark has come on an average scoring margin of +5 points per game in favor of the Grizzlies. A combined average of 233 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.

Analysis

Coming off their recent game, the Grizzlies offense tallied 125 points in a matchup against the Hawks. Their field goal percentage for the game was 51.5%, and they made 11 threes. The top scorer for the Grizzlies was Desmond Bane with 37 points, while Ja Morant also chipped in with 30 points.

So far, the Grizzlies’ defense is ranked 9 in the league at 112.4 points per contest.

Inside the arc, the Grizzlies defense is giving up a shooting percentage of 51.2% and 38.7% from three-point territory.

Most recently, the Pelicans’ offense finished with just 104 points vs. the Rockets. For the game, they hit 8/31 three-point attempts and a field goal percentage of 46.3%. Leading the team in scoring was Zion Williamson with 28 points. Brandon Ingram also added 19 points for the Pelicans.

So far, the Pelicans’ defense is ranked 13 in the league at 113.3 points per contest.

New Orleans’ defense is currently forcing 13 turnovers per game, which is 15th in the league. Additionally, they enter the game ranked 23rd in blocked shots, with an average of 4.4 rejections per game.

Betting Trends

• Across their last three road contests, Memphis has been good against the spread, posting a mark of 2-1. Their overall mark in these games was 2-1 while averaging 112 points per game.
• Across their last five home contests, New Orleans has been good against the spread, posting a mark of 3-2. Their overall mark in these games was 4-1, while averaging 122 points per game.
• Looking back on the team’s last five games as the underdog, the Grizzlies have a straight-up record of 2-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 2-3.
• The last three games that New Orleans was favored, they have an ATS mark of 1-2 while going 1-2 straight up.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Since Ja Morant’s return to the team, Memphis is 3-0, including him leading them to a thrilling win over New Orleans in his first game back. Yet, the Grizzlies find themselves as 4.5-point underdogs and a lengthy injury report. Even with the spark that Morant has been to the team, I like New Orleans to get some revenge and cover at -4.5.