The New Orleans Pelicans will head to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies at FedExForum on Monday night. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Pelicans-Grizzlies prediction and pick.
New Orleans is clinging to its season for dear life, sitting 1.5 games back of the San Antonio Spurs for the last play-in spot. Memphis is in a battle for seeding at a half-game back of the Golden State Warriors for the eighth seed in the Western Conference standings. In what's sure to be an all-out brawl, which team will have the edge?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the Pelicans-Grizzlies odds.
NBA Odds: Pelicans-Grizzlies Odds
New Orleans Pelicans +9 (-110)
Memphis Grizzlies -9 (-110)
Over 227.5 Points (-110)
Under 227.5 Points (-110)
Why The Pelicans Could Cover The Spread
The Pelicans have been all over the news lately. Not because of their play, but because of their displeasure with the officiating of Zion Williamson. Zion has an injured finger, which has kept him out of the past few games. As one of the most physical players in the league, it's clear that the officials have yet to figure out how to protect him in the paint. It seems to be a free-for-all when Zion drives to the hole.
Losing Williamson was a huge blow to a team that's already without two other starters, but the Pelicans refuse to throw in the towel. New Orleans defeated the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday behind a great performance from Eric Bledsoe. The Pelicans combo guard delivered 24 points and 11 assists to lead the way. Five other Pelicans scored in double figures in what was a huge all-around performance to remain within striking distance in the West. As they'll likely be without three crucial starters yet again, New Orleans will need the depth to come through in a big way once again.
Why The Grizzlies Could Cover The Spread
The Grizzlies are full of young talent, but they have been extremely inconsistent over the last couple of weeks. They are 3-3 in their last six games as they try to get guys back into the rotation and find sets that are effective for the postseason. The chemistry has been a clear issue for this club lately, so Memphis will have to accelerate the process of getting acclimated with each other once again with just a few games to play in the regular season.
The key to success for the Grizzlies has come on the defensive end of the floor. When they hold opponents to under 110 points, they typically win. Of course, when they fail to do so, they're on the losing end more times than not. The Grizzlies have the ability to score in bunches, which was displayed in their recent win over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday. Jonas Valanciunas delivered 18 points and 21 rebounds, while six other Grizzlies scored in double figures as well. With the Pelicans' lack of scoring options right now, look for Memphis to play smothering defense.
Final Pelicans-Grizzlies Prediction & Pick
I'm torn on this one as the Grizzlies are clearly the better team with all of the injuries for New Orleans. The real question is just how much better are they? I believe the market is still trying to figure out this new Pelicans group out along with us, which is concerning. I'm confident that the Pelicans will struggle to score throughout and the Grizzlies will put an emphasis on the defensive end of the floor. In what should be a dogfight with playoff intensity, look for this game to go under the total.
FINAL PICK: Under 227.5 Points (-110)
Follow Us
Subscribe