The Grizzlies head to New Orleans on Saturday to eat some gumbo and play against the worst team in the NBA thus far. Only one win in 14 games has made this a miserable start for New Orleans, who will remain without both Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram out there. BI has been out since very early, and of course, Zion has no set timetable to return.
Memphis comes off a loss on Friday night, which dropped them to 6-6 on the season. They have had some good moments, and Ja Morant has been exceptional, but this is a far-from-perfect roster, and they will struggle some nights. This is going to be odd for so many of them, watching the big man in the middle for the Pels, that used to be their guy for a number of years.
One of the only bright spots for New Orleans so far has been the play of Jonas Valanciunas, playing some great basketball to open up the season. He is putting up massive double-doubles and already has a 20-20 game. With a lack of talent around him due to injuries and offseason trades, it’s been interesting watching him having to do more heavy lifting than usual.
As for the time, it will be a 7:00 PM tipoff on Saturday, making for good early evening entertainment.
Betting Odds & Lines
The spread for Saturday night is set at MEM -3. The over/under is sitting at 221.5 points. The MEM moneyline is -144, and the Pels is +121.
Grizzlies Aim to Retain Winning Record
A 6-6 start for the Grizzlies is not bad by any standard. But among the things they have been doing a better job of, winning more consistently has got to become one of them. With the talent they have here, more victories should be befalling them. There is no doubt about that as they move forward.
Ja can only do so much, though, and with JV no longer here, they don’t have as good of a #2 option. The good news is that JJJ had stayed healthy so far, but that is going to be subject to change, as he has been in and out of the lineup for the three previous seasons.
They could use a good defensive showing here to bolster confidence.
Pels Aim for Rare Win
Losing has been in the Pelicans’ DNA through the first four weeks of the year, and it has been tough to watch as a neutral party or as a fan. BI was able to do some great things before Zion got back in 2019-20, but this is a whole new thing. Devonte Graham is not going to win for you.
They have got to keep Ja from having a big game while having one of their wing guys pop off for a career-high. It has been tough sledding for Willie Green in his first year, but a lot of time is still ahead.
Grizz Get the Dub
This one will not be won by the Pels, who will drop to a now putrid 1-13 record. Yikes.
Betting Picks:
- MEM -3
- Under 221.5
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