Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies (9-5) are looking to avenge Sunday’s short-handed loss to the Wizards tonight as they travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans (7-6).
Let’s take a look at the biggest storylines, odds, starting lineups, injury reports, and some predictions for tonight’s nationally televised matchup.
Grizzlies’ Jaren Jackson Jr. set to make his season debut
The Grizzlies initial injury report that the PR team released on Twitter listed Jaren Jackson Jr. as questionable due to right foot surgery recovery.
Reliable TNT and Bleacher Report NBA insider Chris Haynes followed this up shortly after, saying that Jackson Jr. intends to make his season debut tonight.
Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr. (foot) intends to make his season debut Tuesday night against New Orleans Pelicans on TNT, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) November 15, 2022
This is massive for Memphis, as Jackson Jr. averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 0.9 steals, and a league leading 2.3 blocks a night last year.
The Grizzlies’ defense has been lackluster to start the season, so adding a defensive player of the year finalist will surely help them in that category.
Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans Odds, Spread, Over/Under
At FanDuel, the Grizzlies are 1-point underdogs against the Pelicans (+1, -110). The Grizzlies moneyline is +115. The 0ver/Under set for this matchup is a total of 221 points.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report for November 15
Grizzlies
- Desmond Bane – Doubtful (RT Toe Soreness)
- Danny Green – Out (LT Knee Surgery Recovery)
- Ziaire Williams – Out (RT Patellar Tendinitis)
- Kenneth Lofton Jr. – Out (Two-Way Transfer)
- Vince Williams Jr. – Out (Two-Way Transfer)
Pelicans
- Zion Williamson – Questionable (RT Ankle Sprain)
- E.J. Liddell – Out (RT ACL Injury Recovery)
- Kira Lewis Jr. – Out (G-League Assignment)
- Dereon Seabron – Out (G-League Assignment)
Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup at New Orleans Pelicans
With Jaren Jackson Jr. returning and Desmond Bane likely not suiting up, here is how the Grizzlies starting lineup should look tonight:
- PG – Ja Morant
- SG – John Konchar
- SF – Dillon Brooks
- PF – Jaren Jackson Jr.
- C – Steven Adams
If Zion Williamson ends up not playing tonight, here is how the Pelicans will probably line up:
- PG – CJ McCollum
- SG – Trey Murphy III
- SF – Brandon Ingram
- PF – Herb Jones
- C – Jonas Valanciunas
If Williamson does suit up, expect him to start in place of Trey Murphy III.
Memphis Grizzlies at New Orleans Pelicans Predictions for Nov. 15
I expect Zion Williamson to not play in this one, which makes this an even more favorable matchup for the Grizzlies.
They will have something to prove on national television, as Jaren Jackson’s return to the lineup looks to boost their defense and keep their offense as one of the top in the league.
With that being said, Desmond Bane’s 25 points per game and his stellar perimeter defense will be missed. The Pelicans have notable Grizzlies killer CJ McCollum running the show for them, but aslo have an electric scorer in Brandon Ingram.
It will be interesting to see which assignment is given to Dillon Brooks.
This matchup has all the makings of being extremely close, but I see the Grizzlies’ bench being a key piece and stepping up in a big way.
Expect Ja Morant to have a big night, and expect the Grizzlies to squeak out a hard fought victory on the road.
Prediction: Grizzlies 113, Pelicans 110
What channel will the Memphis Grizzlies game be on?
The Grizzlies game will air at 6:30 pm CT on TNT, as well as on Bally Sports Southeast. The pregame coverage for both channels will begin at 6:00 pm CT.
Who do the Grizzlies play next?
After tonight, the Grizzlies get two days off. Here is their next three oponents:
- Nov. 18 vs Oklahoma City Thunder (7:00 PM start time)
- Nov. 20 @ Brooklyn Nets (6:00 PM start time)
- Nov. 22 vs Sacremento Kings (7:00 PM start time)