Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans November 28th 2024
At 5:00 ET, the Memphis Grizzlies (-590) will host the New Orleans Pelicans (+436) in a Southwest Division matchup. Memphis is favored by 11.5 points, and the over/under line is set at 229.
The Grizzlies (12-7) have won four straight and are 4th in the Western Conference. The Pelicans (4-15) have lost six in a row and are 15th in the West.
Pelicans vs. Grizzlies Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: New Orleans Pelicans at Memphis Grizzlies
- Where: Memphis at FedExForum
- Date: Friday, November 29th
- Betting Odds MEM -11.5, NO +436 | MEM -590 O/U 229
The Pelicans Can Win If…
New Orleans dropped to 4-15 on the season after a 119-93 loss to the Raptors on Wednesday. At home, the Pelicans were favored by 1 point but failed to cover the spread, losing by 26. The game’s total of 212 points fell short of the 222-point O/U line.
Toronto took control with a 14-0 run, stretching the score from 40-37 to 54-37. The Raptors outscored the Pelicans 35-26 in the 2nd quarter and 31-17 in the 3rd, putting New Orleans in an 87-63 hole heading into the 4th.
The Pelicans managed just 93 points in their loss to the Raptors, shooting 38.7% from the field and 31.4% from three-point range. CJ McCollum led the way with 19 points, hitting 4 threes at a 36.4% clip.
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Dejounte Murray and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl each contributed 14 points, with Robinson-Earl adding 10 rebounds. McCollum scored 11 of his points in the 2nd quarter, while Murray added 8 in the 3rd.
The Pelicans started strong defensively, holding the Raptors to 21 points in the 1st quarter, but things unraveled from there. They gave up 35 points in the 2nd quarter and allowed 31 and 32 points in the 3rd and 4th quarters, respectively, as the Raptors shot 49% from the field.
New Orleans struggled to defend the three-point line, where Toronto hit 21 threes at a 40% clip. The Pelicans did manage to limit the Raptors’ trips to the free-throw line, where they went 4/12. Defensively, the Pelicans recorded 12 steals and 4 blocks.
- Through their last ten road games, New Orleans has an ATS record of just 1-9. However, their overall record was 1-9 while averaging 97 points per game.
- Spanning across their last three games as the betting underdog, the Pelicans have gone 2-1 vs the spread. Their overall record in these games was 0-3.
- Over their last three games, the Pelicans have an over/under record of 0-3 and are 2-1 vs. the spread.
The Grizzlies Can Win If…
The Grizzlies improved to 12-7 on the season with a dominant 131-111 win over the Pistons on Wednesday. Playing at home, Memphis entered the game as -8.5 point favorites and covered the spread. The total points of 242 exceeded the O/U line of 224.5 by 17.5 points.
After trailing 35-34 at the end of the 1st quarter, Memphis took control with a 10-0 run, pushing the score from 39-38 to 48-39. They then outscored Detroit 37-18 in the 2nd quarter and 33-24 in the 3rd, entering the 4th with a 104-77 lead before the Pistons closed the gap in the final period.
Marcus Smart knocked down 7 threes at a 63.6% clip, finishing with 25 points and 5 assists in the Grizzlies’ win over the Pistons. Memphis hit 17 threes, shooting 37% from deep and 54.8% overall from the field.
Jake LaRavia and Scotty Pippen Jr. each added 19 points, with LaRavia making 3 threes at 75% efficiency. Pippen scored 11 of his points in the 2nd quarter.
Despite a shaky start, the Grizzlies tightened up defensively in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, allowing just 18 and 24 points, respectively, to help secure a win over the Pistons. Memphis gave up 34 points in the 4th but still held Detroit to 111 points overall.
The Grizzlies allowed the Pistons to shoot 47% from the field, including 34% from three-point range, where Detroit made 13 threes. Memphis also sent the Pistons to the line 25 times, where they hit 18 free throws. The Grizzlies finished with 32 defensive rebounds, gave up 9 offensive boards, and added 13 steals and 4 blocks.
- Memphis has a 2-3 record in their last five home games. In this stretch, they averaged 124 points per game while allowing 115. The team also performed well vs the spread at 4-1.
- In their last ten games as the betting favorite, the Grizzlies have a straight up record of 7-3 and an ATS mark of 7-3.
- In their last five games, the Grizzlies have an over/under record of 3-2 and are 4-1 vs. the spread.
The Lean
Not only do we have the Grizzlies winning this one by a score of 154-120, but we see them covering the spread. Our pick is to grab the Grizzlies at -11.5.
Right now, the over/under line for the game is sitting at 229 and given that our model is projecting 274 points between the teams, we like the over.
Grizzlies Rely on Depth as Pelicans Aim to Halt Slide in NBA Cup Matchup
The Memphis Grizzlies host the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night in an NBA Cup showdown, with both teams aiming to secure their first win in this year’s tournament. Memphis enters the game riding a four-game winning streak, while New Orleans is desperate to snap a six-game skid.
Grizzlies: Depth Delivering Amid Injuries
Memphis has navigated much of the season without its star trio of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Jaren Jackson Jr., who have only shared the court three times in 19 games. Despite the absences, the Grizzlies have leaned on their bench to remain competitive.
Recent Success
The Grizzlies (11-8) have won eight of their last 11 games, including dominant back-to-back victories over the Portland Trail Blazers and Detroit Pistons. On Wednesday, Memphis rolled past Detroit 119-99, thanks to a stellar performance from their reserves, who combined for 71 points.
Scotty Pippen Jr. Shines
Backup point guard Scotty Pippen Jr. has been instrumental during Morant’s absence. Pippen scored a career-high 30 points with 10 rebounds in a win over Chicago and followed that with 19 points and seven rebounds against Detroit. His emergence has helped stabilize Memphis’ offense.
“I’ve been really impressed with Scotty’s development,” coach Taylor Jenkins said. “We’ve created an offense that has five creators out there at all times that are in attack mode.”
Morant’s Status
Morant, who returned Monday from a hip injury and posted 22 points and 11 assists against Portland, missed Wednesday’s game with a knee issue. Jenkins expressed optimism about Morant’s quick return, highlighting his dedication during rehab.
“He was champing at the bit to get out there,” Jenkins said.
Pelicans: Searching for Answers
The Pelicans (5-15) have struggled mightily in November, losing 12 of 14 games, including six straight. Injuries to key players have derailed their season, with Zion Williamson (hamstring) and Dejounte Murray (fractured hand) missing significant time.
Wednesday’s Low Point
New Orleans hit a new low in a 119-93 loss to the Toronto Raptors, where the team was booed off its home court after falling behind by 30 points in the third quarter. Coach Willie Green didn’t mince words about the lack of effort.
“We allowed a team to come on our home floor and make us look soft,” Green said. “That was a lack of competition.”
Injury Updates
While Williamson remains sidelined, the Pelicans could get a boost with the potential returns of Brandon Ingram (right calf soreness) and Trey Murphy (left knee contusion). Both are listed as questionable for Friday’s matchup.
Key Matchups to Watch
- Scotty Pippen Jr. vs. Pelicans’ Backcourt: With Morant’s status uncertain, Pippen’s ability to facilitate and score will be pivotal against New Orleans’ defense.
- Jaren Jackson Jr. vs. Pelicans’ Frontcourt: Jackson, the Grizzlies’ leading scorer, will look to exploit a New Orleans team that has struggled defensively in Williamson’s absence.
- Pelicans’ Response to Adversity: New Orleans must find a way to regain competitiveness, particularly if Ingram and Murphy are available to bolster the lineup.
- Bench Production: Memphis’ reserves have been dominant recently, while New Orleans needs better contributions from its role players to stay in the game.
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NBA Cup Implications
Both teams are winless in NBA Cup play, and while neither has a realistic path to the knockout stage, Friday’s game represents an opportunity to build momentum. Memphis is still seeking its first victory in the tournament since its inception, while New Orleans looks to restore some pride amid its struggles.
The Bigger Picture
For Memphis, this game is about continuing their winning ways and integrating their stars as they return to full strength. For New Orleans, it’s an opportunity to halt their free fall and find some rhythm despite the adversity.
Will the Grizzlies’ depth and recent momentum carry them to victory, or can the Pelicans find a spark to reverse their fortunes? Fans can expect an intense battle as both teams fight to turn the page in their seasons.