The Memphis Grizzlies (44-22) look to bounce back after losing four of their past seven games with an appearance on national television against division rival New Orleans (27-37) March 8.
Memphis hopes to get back to their winning ways, but it’ll be tough against a Pelicans team that has shown vast improvement since Thanksgiving. New Orleans started the season 3-16, but has since gone 24-21.
Trading for CJ McCollum has proved to be one of the shrewdest moves completed during February’s NBA Trade Deadline.
Since being traded to New Orleans, McCollum has been on fire, averaging 26.1 ppg, 6.1 apg, 5.7 frpg, 1.3 spg and has shot 51.7% from the field (10 games).
Let’s take a look at what to expect in this Southwest Division matchup, which tips off at 6:30 p.m. CT on TNT.
Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans odds tonight
Spread
Grizzlies -5.5 (-110)
Pelicans +5.5 (-110)
Moneyline
Grizzlies -220
Pelicans +180
Over/Under
Over 230.5 (-110)
Under 230.5 (-110)
Memphis enters the game as six point favorites against the surging New Orleans Pelicans.
Grizzlies vs Pelicans injury report
Each team will continue play without key starters. Dillon Brooks for Memphis and Zion Williamson for New Orleans. Here’s the full injury report.
- Dillon Brooks – Out (left ankle sprain)
For New Orleans, they’ll be missing three players vs the Grizzlies.
- Zion Williams – Out (right foot fracture)
- Kira Lewis Jr. (right knee ACL/MCL sprain)
- Larry Nance Jr. (right knee arthroscopy)
Grizzlies starting line-up vs Pelicans
Memphis will likely continue using the same line-up we’ve been seeing since Dillon Brooks was sidelined with a left ankle sprain. Expect a starting five of Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Ziaire Williams, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Steven Adams for he Grizzlies.
Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans March 8 prediction
The Grizzlies are going to have to find a way to slow down a red-hot CJ McCollum. The former Portland Trail Blazer has been quietly playing like one of the best players in the NBA, scoring 30+ points in four of his ten games as a Pelican.
Steven Adams is going to have a tough assignment matching up with one of the best rebounders and scoring big men in the entire league in Jonas Valanciunas. The former Memphis Grizzlies player is averaging 17.8 ppg and 11.6 rebounds per game. Slowing him down will be a key point in Memphis’ game plan.
Expect Ja Morant to have a statement game vs the Pelicans. The team has been under-performing as of late and he knows it. He’ll put this team on his back and have a huge night in front of a national audience.
New Orleans took game one of the four-game regular season series 112-101. Memphis took game two 121-109. After tonight’s game, these two teams will meet again April 8 on NBA TV.
Prediction: Memphis 111, New Orleans 107
How to watch the Grizzlies vs Pelicans on TV
This is a nationally televised game, airing live on TNT. Additionally, you can watch the Memphis Grizzlies on Bally’s Sports Southeast in the Memphis area.