The New Orleans Pelicans felt a taste of what the Grizzlies experienced during the 2023-24 season on the injury front last season. After the Grizzlies led the NBA with 20 different players missing time to injury that season, the Pelicans finished second in the league with 17 different players missing time to injury last season.
Zion Williamson affected the Pelicans the most with only 30 games played for the former number one overall pick, who has had an extensive injury history. His fellow draft class partner, Ja Morant, has almost just as bad of injury luck as him for the Grizzlies, which has both franchises further away from contention than they were projected to be at this point in their careers.
The Grizzlies finished higher than the Pelicans in the West standings every season outside of their injury-riddled 2023-24 season, and are projected to do the same this season. However, good health could propel the Pelicans into a class with the Grizzlies if they aren't careful.
Ja Morant needs to shake the injury allegations
A training camp ankle injury caused worry for the Grizzlies' fanbase, who have seen their star player in street clothes more than they would like in recent seasons. However, the injury appeared to be minor as he is officially cleared off the injury report heading into their season-opening matchup against the Pelicans tonight.
Outside of the 2023-24 season, when nearly everyone was hurt, the Grizzlies have a decent record without Ja Morant in the lineup at 55-38. This includes their 18-14 slate in the 30 games he missed last season. While having Ja healthy would keep the team from faltering this season, Zion Williamson has made a notable change to his body that could bode well for his health status this season.
Ja Morant and Zion Williamson will always be linked together as the top two picks of the 2019 NBA Draft and as fellow South Carolina natives. The NBA hoped for a rivalry between the two friends as a battle for the face of the league, and this season feels like the year where things finally turn around for both players on the health front.
The Grizzlies are projected to outpace the Pelicans by nine games based on the FanDuel Sportsbook over/under win totals, but if Zion can repeat a 70-game season he played during the 2023-24 season, that gap could close if Morant can't manage to do the same. The Pelicans have talent, so the Grizzlies should be mindful of them in the West standings.