Grizzlies vs Pelicans Picks and Predictions: Returning Bodies Give Boost to Memphis

The Memphis Grizzlies head to the Big Easy to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans in NBA action on Wednesday night. These are two of the most exciting young teams in the league but while Ja Morant is expected to lead the Griz, Zion Williamson is questionable for the Pels.

NBA betting lines opened New Orleans as a 2-point home favorite and that number has since grown to -3.5 with the Over/Under at 230.5. Here are my free Grizzlies vs. Pelicans NBA betting picks and predictions for November 15.

Grizzlies vs Pelicans best odds

Grizzlies vs Pelicans picks and predictions

The Grizzlies are coming off a 102-92 loss to the Wizards on Sunday but that was without Ja Morant and Desmond Bane in the lineup. They had won five of their six previous games with them and their lone loss during that span came by just three points to the Celtics.

They'll be without Bane and his 24.7 ppg once again, but the return of Morant should ignite the offense — and Dillon Brooks is more than capable of picking up the scoring slack on the wing. 

Meanwhile, the Pels are 3-4 straight up and 2-5 against the spread in their last seven games, and their perimeter shooting has dried up over that stretch. They look like a playoff-caliber team and have made massive strides on defense, but it's tough to spot them this many points with Zion's status up in the air.

Keep in mind that after trading for CJ McCollum last season (with Williamson on the IL) they played three games against the Grizz and lost each contest by double digits. 

The health of Williamson is tough to navigate, but even with the big man in the lineup, I'd likely lean toward Memphis with the points. If he doesn't end up suiting up (or isn't at 100%) this line only gains value.

My best bet: Grizzlies +3.5 (-110 at FanDuel)

Grizzlies vs Pelicans spread analysis

Morant averages 28.8 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.0 rebounds per game, and slotting back into the lineup will be a big help for a Grizzlies team that shot just 40% from the field on Sunday.

Although Memphis will miss Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. is expected to make his season debut after recovering from foot surgery. Jackson finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season and his ability to protect the rim will give a huge boost to a Memphis team that ranks 20th in the league in defensive rating. 

The Pelicans are 7-6 SU (6-7 ATS) with an impressive net rating of plus-3.2. They're fresh off a 119-106 win against the lowly Rockets but Zion led the team with 26 points in that game and is listed as questionable tonight with an ankle/foot sprain. 

Given his history of injuries, it's fair to expect NOLA's brass to be cautious with its franchise player today. Jonas Valanciunas and Larry Nance Jr. will likely see an uptick in minutes if Williamson sits out and while they are quality bigs, they are clearly a step back on both ends of the floor. 

Grizzlies vs Pelicans Over/Under analysis

This line opened at a high 229.5 and has ticked up to 230.5, which is a bit surprising given the absence of the sharp-shooting Bane and the return of defensive ace Jackson.

The Under is 6-2 in the Grizzlies' last eight games and one of those contests which cashed the Over needed overtime to do so.

Meanwhile, the Under has cashed in three-straight contests for New Orleans. The Pelicans were one of the worst defensive teams in the league for years but have tightened up on the defensive end of the floor and have also slowed down their pace since McCollum took over at point guard.

The Grizz have also seen a dropoff in their tempo and are 19th in the league in pace this season after ranking fourth last year. 

Grizzlies vs Pelicans betting trend to know

The Pelicans are 2-6 ATS in their last eight games against a team with a winning percentage above .600. Find more NBA betting trends for Grizzlies vs. Pelicans.

Grizzlies vs Pelicans game info

Grizzlies vs Pelicans key injuries

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