Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans
PublishedDecember 19, 2023,            Posted By: Maria Uebelhor
Last updated:December 19, 2023 , ,

NBA Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Prediction 12/19/2023

The Memphis Grizzlies (6-19) travel to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans (16-11) on Tuesday, December 19th. This game will be played at Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans are coming off a win in their previous game, while the Grizzlies are looking to get back on track from a loss to the Spurs. Tip-off is set for 7:30 ET.

Grizzlies vs Pelicans

The Grizzlies Look To Bounce Back From A Loss

In their most recent game, the Grizzlies fell to the Thunder by a score of 116-97. the Grizzlies not only lost the game outright but also fell short of covering the spread as +10.5 point underdogs. In terms of the over/under, the combined 213 points was below the over/under line of 230.

Looking to add to their win total of 6-19, the Grizzlies are hoping to come out with a victory over the Pelicans. In non-conference play, the Grizzlies are 1-3 and have gone 5-16 against Western Conference teams.

Memphis arrives with an ATS record of 9-16 for the season up to this point. Memphis has failed to cover the spread in two straight road games and are 6-7 ATS on the road compared to 3-9 at home.

The Pelicans Are Coming Off A Win

The Pelicans’ most recent matchup against the Spurs saw CJ McCollum lead the Pelicans with 29 points while shooting 10/15 from the field. The Pelicans picked up a 146-110 win, and Brandon Ingram also added 26 points which was 2nd on the team.

On the road this season, the Pelicans have gone 7-7 while going 9-4 at home. Overall, the Pelicans are 16-11 and are looking to add to their above .500 record in today’s game vs. the Grizzlies.

In terms of the spread, New Orleans currently holds an ATS record of 16-11, which is above .500. In their eight most recent home games, New Orleans has covered the spread and they are 10-3 ATS at home compared to 6-8 on the road.

Grizzlies Offense Breakdown

Memphis has recorded an average of 105.6 points per game (30th) throughout 25 games games. When looking at the team’s pace of play, the Grizzlies are currently below the league average in possessions per game, averaging just 99 per contest. Not only is the team one of the more deliberate units in the NBA, they have yet to find their shooting stroke, ranking just 30th in the league in field goal percentage 30th%.

Pelicans Offense Breakdown

The Pelicans come into today’s game as one of the better scoring teams in the NBA at 116 points per game (12th). When looking at the Pelicans pace of play, they tend to play an up-tempo style of basketball. So far, the team is in the upper half of the NBA in possessions per game, averaging 99.6. The team has not only adopted an up-tempo pace but has also integrated this style with one of the NBA’s top field goal percentages, currently at 48%.

Grizzlies Team Defense

Currently, the Grizzlies’ defense holds the 11 rank in the NBA, allowing 112.4 points per game.

When it comes to defending inside the arc, the Grizzlies squad is permitting opposing teams to shoot at a clip of 50.9% inside the arc, and they’re also giving up 39.0% from downtown.

Pelicans Team Defense

On defense, Pelicans is currently around the league average in points allowed, giving up an average of 113.8 points per game.

New Orleans’ defense is currently forcing 13.1 turnovers per game, which is 14th in the league. Additionally, they enter the game ranked 24th in blocked shots, with an average of 4.4 rejections per game.

Key Players For The Grizzlies And Pelicans

In today’s game, our projections have Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the Grizzlies with 18 points on 7/15 shooting from the field. For the season, he has been averaging 21.4 points per game, in addition to 5.7 rebounds.

On the other side, Zion Williamson is our projected leading scorer for the Pelicans. We have him ending the game with a team-high 17 and grabbing 5 rebounds. For the season, he has a field goal percentage of 58.3% and is averaging 22.5 points per contest.

Grizzlies vs Pelicans Trends

  • Through their last ten road games, Memphis has an ATS record of just 6-4. However, their overall record was 5-5 while averaging 106 points per game.
  • Although New Orleans has a straight up record of 5-5 in their last ten home games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 4-6. The team averaged 116 points per game in these games.
  • In their last five games as the betting underdog, the Grizzlies have a straight up record of 0-5 and an ATS mark of 0-5.
  • As the betting favorite, the Pelicans have an ATS record of 3-2 in their last five games. In these matchups their, straight up record was 4-1.

 

Grizzlies vs Pelicans Prediction

 

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Pelicans to secure the win, with an expected final score of 116-102. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -6.5.

As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 233.5 and our model has the Grizzlies and Pelicans finishing with a combined 218 points. Our pick is to take the under.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.