Grizzlies vs. Pelicans NBA expert prediction and odds for Tuesday, Dec. 26

Dec 23, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts on the court
Dec 23, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts on the court | Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Memphis Grizzlies look to stay hot since the return of Ja Morant from a 25-game suspension, searching for a fourth straight win at the hands of a division foe New Orleans Pelicans.

The Grizz are on the road the night after Christmas against the Pelicans, who meet for the second time in a week after Memphis' dramatic comeback in Morant's first game back in the lineup. With the location shifting to New Orleans, will we get a different result?

Let's take a look at the odds, key plays and best bets for this Southwest Division meeting.

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Grizzlies vs. Pelicans odds, spread and total

Grizzlies vs. Pelicans how to watch

  • Date: Tuesday, Dec. 26
  • Game Time: 8:00 p.m. EST
  • Venue: Smoothie King Center
  • How to Watch (TV): Bally Sports Northwest
  • Pelicans Record: 17-13
  • Grizzlies Record: 9-19

Grizzlies vs. Pelicans injury report

Grizzlies

  • Luke Kennard - Knee - OUT
  • Marcus Smart - Foot - OUT
  • Jon Konchart - Thumb - Questionable

Pelicans

Cody Zeller - Ankle - Questionable

Grizzlies vs. Pelicans key players to watch

Grizzlies

Ja Morant: Morant hasn't missed a beat to start the season, averaging 28 points, nearly six rebounds and nine assists through three games, including a game-winning buzz-beater against the Pelicans last week to cap off a 34-point season debut.

Pelicans

Brandon Ingram: Ingram has been playing incredibly well of late, averaging nearly 22 points per game with four rebounds and five assists in December. He has shot nearly 50% from the floor while draining 36% of his three-point attempts as well as the Pelicans look to stay in the thick of the Western Conference playoff picture.

Grizzlies vs. Pelicans Prediction and Pick

it'sI'm looking to keep playing on the Grizzlies, who have solved its offensive issues with the injection of its All-Star point guard back into the lineup. While its a small sample size, the Grizzlies offense is scoring nearly 124 points per 100 possessions when Morant is on the floor, which would be the best offense in the league. For reference, the Grizz are scoring 107 per 100 when he is off, which would be the second-worst in the league.

New Orleans is a quality foe with a positive net rating, but the market isn't capturing the Grizzlies, who are resembling the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference already and may be poised for a big run to the postseason with Morant back on the floor.

On the ride back to contention, keep buying the Grizzlies as the market is slow to react to the developments in Memphis.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Track Reed's bets here!

Schedule