Pelicans vs. Grizzlies Odds & Predictions 4/9/22

New Orleans Pelicans (36-44 SU, 41-38-1 ATS) vs. Memphis Grizzlies (55-25 SU, 51-28-1 ATS)
When: Saturday April 09 2022, 06:00 PM (ET)
Where: FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tennesee
TV: BSNO

Point Spread: NOP +6/MEM -6 (Opened at MEM -5.5)
Total: 232.5 (Opened at 230.5)
Money Line: New Orleans 194/Memphis -240
Power Rating:
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Probable Starting Lineups

New Orleans Pelicans PG C.J. McCollum, SG Herb Jones, SF Brandon Ingram Q, PF Jaxson Hayes, C Jonas Valanciunas

Memphis Grizzlies PG Ja Morant Q, SG Desmond Bane, SF Dillon Brooks, PF Jaren Jackson Jr., C Steven Adams

Key Injuries

New Orleans Pelicans
Brandon Ingram: Hamstring (QUESTIONABLE)
Zion Williamson: Foot (OUT)
Kira Lewis Jr.: Knee (OUT)

Memphis Grizzlies
Tyrell Terry: Foot (OUT)
Jarrett Culver: Knee (OUT)
Ja Morant: Knee (QUESTIONABLE)
Killian Tillie: Knee (OUT)

The Memphis Grizzlies host the New Orleans Pelicans in a Western-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 06:00 PM ET at the FedEx Forum.

Recent Form

The New Orleans Pelicans come into this game with an overall record of 36-44, placing them 9th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, New Orleans has struggled in their 40 road contests, sitting at 17-23. Over their last five games, the Pelicans have played well, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, New Orleans is averaging 116.0 points per game, 7.0 points more than their season average of 109.3. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 114.0 points per contest. The Pelicans have been picking up wins, while holding opponents to an average of 108.0 points per game, similar to their season average of 109.7. In the New Orleans Pelicans’ most recent game, New Orleans took down Portland by a score of 127-94

The Memphis Grizzlies come into this game with an overall record of 55-25, placing them 2nd in the Western Conference. So far, Memphis is above .500 at home, holding a record of 29-10. The Grizzlies have played well over their last five games, picking up 3 wins. In this stretch, Memphis’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 116.0 points per game. Combined, the Grizzlies’ last five opponents are giving up 109.0 points per contest. Even though the Grizzlies have been adding to the win column, their opponents have had no trouble scoring the ball, averaging 113.0 points per game, up from Memphis’s usual rate of 109.5. In the Memphis Grizzlies’ most recent game, the team fell to Denver by a score of 122-109.

Individual Player Analysis

As New Orleans travels to take on the Memphis Grizzlies, the Pelicans’ leading scorer is CJ McCollum. Through 24 games, McCollum is averaging 25 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 38.0% of his games. As McCollum gets set to take on the Grizzlies, he could be in line for a big game as Memphis is allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 53.12% of their games. This figure places them 22nd among NBA defenses. On the other side, the Grizzlies will be looking for Jaren Jackson Jr. to help carry the scoring load. On the season, the Pelicans have allowed their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 50.75% of their games, giving them a rank of 17th among NBA defenses.

Matchup Analysis

Heading into this matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies are the more efficient team on both ends of the court. This scenario has taken place in 30 of Memphis’s 77 games, leading to a winning percentage of 73%. So far, the New Orleans Pelicans have played 18 games as the inferior offensive and defensive unit. In these instances, they have lost 18 times, by an average margin of -16.0 points.

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies have met up for 3 games. In their last meeting, Memphis picked up a 132-111 win.

How the Public is Betting the Pelicans vs Grizzlies

67% are betting the Grizzlies against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 232.5

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Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.
• Pelicans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a road underdog.
• Grizzlies are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
• Grizzlies are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 games as a home favorite.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

With just 2 games remaining, the New Orleans Pelicans will likely finish the season as the 9th seed in the Western Conference. On the other side, Memphis is locked into the 2 seed, but have dropped 2 straight games. The Grizzlies will be looking to gather some momentum heading into the playoffs, with an opportunity to do as 6 point favorites vs New Orleans. Throughout the season, the Grizzlies have been one of the best defensive teams, which will cause problems for an inefficient Pelicans offense. Look for Memphis to cover at home.