Key Highlights
- The New Orleans Pelicans are favored against the Memphis Grizzlies in a matchup featuring Ja Morant and Zion Williamson.
- Memphis is given an edge as a four-point home favorite, but injuries could impact their performance.
- New Orleans has retooled with Zion Williamson looking healthier than ever, potentially leading to an upset victory.
- Pick: Pelicans moneyline (+160 at FanDuel Sportsbook).
Introduction to the Matchup
The New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies are set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup on Wednesday, October 22, at FedExForum. This game features two of the most exciting players from the 2019 NBA Draft: Ja Morant of the Grizzlies and Zion Williamson of the Pelicans. The two have faced each other four times so far, with an even record, making this their ninth meeting in the league.
Ja Morant is known for his dynamic playmaking and scoring abilities, while Zion Williamson brings a strong presence on both ends of the floor, particularly in offensive rebounding and finishing around the rim. Their clash promises to be a thrilling spectacle as they compete head-to-head in their team’s respective arenas.
Team Dynamics and Key Players
The Memphis Grizzlies come into this game with some concerns on the injury front. Key players like Brandon Clarke, Zach Edey, Ty Jerome, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Vince Williams Jr. are out, which could impact their overall performance. Despite these absences, oddsmakers have favored the Grizzlies as a four-point home favorite against the Pelicans.
For the New Orleans Pelicans, the addition of Zion Williamson has significantly bolstered their lineup.
Williamson is looking healthier than ever and can now attack the rim consistently, posing a formidable challenge to Jaren Jackson Jr., who may struggle with foul trouble. Additionally, Dejounte Murray’s absence could further open up opportunities for the Pelicans’ offense.
Betting Analysis and Prop Picks
The betting odds suggest that the Grizzlies are favored by four points against the Pelicans at FanDuel Sportsbook. The moneyline offers New Orleans as +160 favorites, while Memphis is -190. The total for this game stands at 236.5 points with over bets available at -115 and under bets at -105.
One of the standout prop bets involves Kentavious Caldwell-Pope of the Grizzlies.
According to oddsmakers, Caldwell-Pope is expected to score fewer than 9.5 points (-112 odds). This prediction stems from Caldwell-Pope’s lower scoring average in recent seasons and his likely role as a secondary option when Morant returns to the rotation.
Considering the Pelicans’ retooled roster and the absence of several key Grizzlies players, picking New Orleans to win outright seems like a prudent choice. The Pelicans can take advantage of their improved depth and Zion Williamson’s dominant play to outperform the favored Grizzlies.
In conclusion, while the Grizzlies have the edge as home favorites, the Pelicans’ retooling and Zion Williamson’s health could tip the scales in favor of an upset victory. Fans looking for value on this game should consider betting on New Orleans to win moneyline (+160 at FanDuel Sportsbook).
