Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Game Preview

WHO: Memphis Grizzlies (50-29, 15-13 away) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (40-39, 15-15 home)

WHEN: 7:00 PM CT

WHERE: Smoothie King Center — New Orleans, LA

HOW TO WATCH/LISTEN: Bally Sports Southeast/92.9 FM ESPN Memphis

INJURY REPORT:

MEMPHIS: Steven Adams (Out – RT Knee PCL Sprain), Brandon Clarke (Out – LT Achilles tear)

NEW ORLEANS: Zion Williamson (Out – Hamstring), Jose Alvarado (Out – Right Tibia), EJ Liddell (Out – ACL tear) 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUPS:

MEMPHIS: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Luke Kennard, Jaren Jackson Jr., Xavier Tillman

NEW ORLEANS: CJ McCollum, Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valanciunas

The Grizzlies are back in action on the second night of a back-to-back after pulling out an ugly win against the shorthanded Blazers. Now, the Grizzlies will travel to New Orleans to face a potential first-round and division rival Pelicans. Both teams have much to play for, as the Grizzlies are fighting for the second seed, and the Pelicans are in the middle of the Western Conference Play-in Race.

Can the Grizzlies win on the road?

The Grizzlies locked up the best home record in the NBA (35-6) last night, but their road struggles have been an issue all season. They are just 15-23 on the road this season and blew a 20-point lead in their last game away from FedEx Forum. With the playoffs right around the corner, they have a chance to prove they can win on the road against playoff-worthy teams. That starts with a game against the surging Pelicans team that has won seven of their last ten games.

The State of the Playoff race

The Grizzlies come into today’s matchup with a two-game lead on the Sacramento Kings for the 2-seed in the crowded Western Conference. The Magic number for the Grizzlies to clinch home-court in the first two rounds of the playoffs is two. A Grizzlies win and a Kings loss to the Mavericks would give the Grizzlies the 2nd seed for the 2nd year in a row.

There is still a chance for the Grizzlies to move up to the 1st seed after the Nuggets lost to the Houston Rockets last night. The Grizzlies are two games back from the first seed with three games remaining. Three straight wins and a losing streak from the Nuggets would give the Grizzlies the 1st seed for the first time. Even though it is unlikely, it is something to watch over the last week of the season.

Keep Feeding Desmond Bane

Bane has been on an absolute tear over his last month of play. He has scored 20+ points in seven straight games and 12 of the last 14. He has averaged 22.7 points in that span on 52% shotting and 41% from behind the arc. Bane is also averaging the most points in the 4th quarter on the team with 5.4 and has really picked up his play when the Grizzlies need him.

Even though Bane is known as one of the best shooters in the NBA, he has also been one of the best in the NBA at scoring in transition. Pete Pranica and Brevin Knight have rightfully given him the name “downhill Des” as he continues to grow in the aspect of his game.

The most prolific transition threats by volume…

What stands out? pic.twitter.com/y84FruCpmL

— NBA University (@NBA_University) April 4, 2023

Will The Grizzlies Rest Players?

The Grizzlies still have a lot to play for down the stretch, but there is also the possibility that the Grizzlies rest guys on the 2nd night of a back-to-back with travel. However, it could also be beneficial for them to keep their starters in. The last two games have not been pretty for the Grizzlies, so it might be good for the starting unit to get some more minutes together before the postseason. There will also be a break for the play-in games where the Grizzlies can get more rest, so hopefully, it will not be a major issue.

As for a prediction, the Grizzlies have struggled on the road, but if they play their guys, they will have a good chance to win this game. The Pelicans have been playing well as of late, but are still missing key pieces such as Williamson and Alvarado. After a couple of tough performances, Memphis should come out locked in on the task at hand, securing the best seeding possible.