The New Orleans Pelicans will test if they’re still hot after a recent game postponement, as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies this weekend. Both the Pels and the Grizzlies are on win streaks, with Memphis also undefeated this season against New Orleans. Will the Pelicans continue their undefeated run? Or, will the Grizzlies score another win at the expense of the Pelicans?
Catch this game live on Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 9:00 AM, Manila time
Away: New Orleans Pelicans (12-32/4-16 Away)
Projected Starting Five:
- Dejounte Murray (DTD)
- CJ McCollum
- Trey Murphy III
- Zion Williamson (DTD)
- Yves Missi (DTD)
Things are looking up for the Pelicans despite being banged up. They are on a roll, having gone undefeated in their last four games, including last Tuesday’s 123-119 overtime win against the Utah Jazz at home. The Pels were scheduled to take on a tough test on Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks but that meeting was postponed due to snowy weather in the Big Easy. That means the Pelicans are very well-rested heading into the matchup against the Grizzlies.
The extra rest could prove to be beneficial for some hurting Pelicans, including the likes of Dejounte Murray, Yves Missi and Zion Williamson, who all missed the Jazz game for a variety of non-serious health reasons. The Pelicans are averaging 109.2 points per game so far in the 2024-25 NBA regular season but over their last five outings, they have put up an average of 123.2 points, with three players norming at least 20.0 points in that span.
The Pelicans are 5-1 ATS in their last six games overall.
Home: Memphis Grizzlies (29-15/17-5 Home)
Projected Starting Five:
- Ja Morant
- Desmond Bane
- Jaylen Wells
- Jaren Jackson Jr.
- Zach Edey
The Grizzlies are also doing just fine of late. Like the Pelicans, Memphis is on a four-game win streak following a 132-120 takedown of the Charlotte Hornets at home on Thursday. Desmond Bane and Luke Kennard led the charge for Memphis in that game, as they scored 22 and 23 points, respectively. Ja Morant had 16 points while Jaren Jackson Jr. produced 22.
The production from Bane and Kennard was nice but the Pelicans could be more concerned about the duo of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., which has torched them in the first two meetings with the Grizzlies this season. Jackson and Morant averaged 28.0 and 26.0 points, respectively, in Memphis’ two wins versus the Hornets this campaign. The Grizzlies are also the highest-scoring team in the league right now, as they’re averaging 123.3 points. That’s not good news for New Orleans’ defense that’s just 28th in the NBA with a 117.1 defensive rating.
The Grizzlies are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games overall against New Orleans.
Picks
Spread: Memphis Grizzlies (-12.0)
Over/Under: Over (241.5)
