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The New Orleans Pelicans will pay a visit to FedExForum to take on the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our NBA odds series, which includes our Pelicans-Grizzlies prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
The Pelicans are coming off a 127-94 win over the tanking Portland Trail Blazers. CJ McCollum led the way for New Orleans with 23 points, seven assists, and five 3-pointers, while Willy Hernangomez tallied 17 points and 14 rebounds. The Pelicans have won two straight games. And though they have the 9th seed locked up, they will want to gain momentum into a must-win game versus the San Antonio Spurs in the play-in tournament.
Meanwhile, Memphis enter Saturday off a 122-109 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. The Grizzlies already have no. 2 seed locked up, so they pretty much just coasted through this one. Nine players played at least 19 minutes with the highest being Dillon Brooks, who played 26 minutes. Desmond Bane was the high man with 14 points, leading six other Grizzlies in double-figures.
Here is how FanDuel has set the Pelicans-Grizzlies NBA odds for this Saturday's NBA matchup.
NBA odds: Pelicans–Grizzlies Odds
New Orleans Pelicans: +6.5 (-110)
Memphis Grizzlies: -6.5 (-110)
Over: 229.5 (-110)
Under: 229.5 (-110)
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Why The Pelicans could cover the spread
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This game doesn't have much bearing for the Pelicans in terms of seeding, as they are already locked in at 9th and will have homecourt advantage for their play-in game against the Spurs. Nonetheless, as mentioned, building some momentum heading into a do-or-die outing could be good for their chances to advance.
The Pelicans have, so far, done just that, having won their last two in blowout fashions. Though those did come against non-playoff teams in Sacramento and Portland. But with Memphis and Golden State coming up, they could wind up with two straight defeats to finish the campaign. Nonetheless, playing against two elite Western Conference teams could be the reps they need to go into a must-win game versus San Antonio. If they are able to cover the six-point spread, where they are 41-38, and make this game competitive, that could be a good momentum booster heading into the play-in.
Nonetheless, they also want to head into that Spurs game in full health. Going all out on a rather meaningless game could open up the door on an injury, so that's one thing to consider.
Aside from Zion Williamson (foot) and Kira Lewis (knee), who are both out for the season, Brandon Ingram is listed as questionable due to right hamstring tightness.
Why The Grizzlies could cover the spread
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies don't really have much to play for, other than finishing out the 82-game marathon. They already have the no. 2 seed locked up. But like most teams, they'd ideally want to head into the postseason with some momentum. Memphis has lost two straight and going into the playoffs with a losing streak doesn't sound ideal.
Nonetheless, the Grizzlies have shown all season that they are able to turn up the volume when they need to. Memphis has one of the best records against the spread at 50-28. They've been without Ja Morant since March 18 and they won seven straight prior to their recent two-game slide. Health-wise, the Grizzlies have listed Morant (knee soreness) as questionable. They could use these final two games of the season to bring the 22-year-old star up to speed as they gear for a deep run in the playoffs. If Morant suits up and the Grizzlies play this game as if it's a playoff simulation, they could very well cover the six-point spread.
And like New Orleans, the Grizzlies don't really have much to play for with these final two games. Sure, getting the franchise record for wins in a season is great, but is it really worth it if one of their core guys gets a tweaked ankle hustling for a loose ball? That's also worth considering on the Memphis side.
Final Pelicans–Grizzlies Prediction & Pick
This is a tough one since both teams essentially have nothing to play for. The last thing Memphis wants to do is deal with another injury to one of their key players heading into the postseason. The same goes for New Orleans, as they get into a do-or-die situation versus San Antonio, then possibly, versus the Los Angeles Clippers or Minnesota Timberwolves.
With that said, it might be safer to go with Memphis given their track record all season. Regardless of whether Ja Morant plays or not, they've maintained their high level of play, which is a testament to their depth and talent across the roster.
Final Pelicans–Grizzlies Prediction & Pick: Grizzlies: -6.5 (-110)
