Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Preview (11/15/22): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds

Two likely playoff teams, the Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans, will battle on Tuesday night in a Western Conference showdown! Below is an in-depth analysis of the game, including my predictions and picks, the projected starting lineups, current sportsbook odds, and relevant injury news!

Memphis Grizzlies Vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Odds

The Memphis Grizzlies are 1.5-point road dogs in New Orleans on Tuesday night. The Grizzlies might return Jaren Jackson Jr to the lineup, which would be a massive addition to an already strong basketball team. They will still be without Danny Green and Ziaire Williams, and Desmond Bane is also doubtful, which could hurt their chances on the road. Meanwhile, New Orleans has its starting lineup wholly healthy and will miss only Kira Lewis Jr and E.J. Liddell.

Memphis Grizzlies Vs. New Orleans Pelicans Prediction

Jaren Jackson Jr might return to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night, likely in limited minutes, but his impact would still be felt. He’s currently listed as questionable but could be downgraded before game time. Jackson is not long removed (last season) from leading the NBA in total blocks; he would instantly elevate this defense from middle-of-the-road to top ten.

If Jackson plays, the New Orleans Pelicans’ most significant advantage, their frontcourt size, would be somewhat mitigated. New Orleans is one of the best rebounding teams in the league, but Memphis is not far behind. With Jackson back, Memphis would have the advantage on the glass, especially with guys like John Konchar and Santi Aldama being leaned on so heavily when he was out. However, this is all contingent on Jackson being available.

Meanwhile, the New Orleans Pelicans have had somewhat of an up-and-down season; they’ve lost some real stinkers, including to the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers, but also have a few impressive wins over Golden State and Dallas. When the Pelicans have everyone healthy, they are incredibly tough to beat.

The Pelicans are among the few teams that rank in the top ten in offensive and defensive rating, flexing their two-way strength to opponents. However, one potential issue they need to resolve is Zion Williamson’s defense, which could aptly be compared to a matador. If Williamson improves on this end throughout the year, New Orleans instantly becomes a Western Conference favorite.

In this matchup of two high-powered offenses, I have to stick with the New Orleans Pelicans, especially since Desmond Bane is listed as doubtful. Even if Jackson returns, it would likely be in limited minutes. New Orleans is entirely healthy, except for two non-rotation players, and Bane’s absence takes away a huge offensive threat, thus exponentiating the Pelicans’ impressive defense.

Betting Trends

• Memphis is 1-6-1 ATS on the road in 2022-23
• New Orleans is 2-3 ATS at home in 2022-23
• The combined over record of these two teams is 14-12-1 in 2022-23

Key Matchups

The key matchup between the Grizzlies and Pelicans centers around Steven Adams and Jonas Valanciunas, two players who were dealt for one another about a year and a half ago. Check out the analysis below to see which player will mean more to their team in this matchup!

Steven Adams vs. Jonas Valanciunas

Steven Adams will not offer much as far as scoring is concerned, but he has been an absolute menace on the glass, averaging 11.4 rebounds per game in 27 minutes per game. Adams is best known as one of the game’s premier offensive rebounders, creating second-chance points constantly by tipping the ball back out off misses or just pulling it down.

Meanwhile, Jonas Valanciunas has posted 14 points and ten rebounds this year, which is a step down from his past two seasons. This can likely be attributed to New Orleans being a much more well-rounded team with ample scoring options. Interestingly enough, in Valanciunas’ last six full games against Adams, he has only managed to pull down an average of five rebounds per game. Expect the most physical player in the league (Adams) to continue causing problems for Valanciunas on the glass. Advantage: Adams.

Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup

PG: Ja Morant
SG: John Konchar
SF: Dillon Brooks
PF: Jaren Jackson Jr
C: Steven Adams

New Orleans Pelicans Starting Lineups

PG: C.J. McCollum
SG: Herb Jones
SF: Brandon Ingram
PF: Zion Williamson
C: Jonas Valanciunas

Key Injuries

Memphis Grizzlies Injuries: Ziaire Williams (Out), Danny Green (Out), Desmond Bane (D), Jaren Jackson Jr (Q)

New Orleans Pelicans Injuries: Kira Lewis Jr (Out), E.J. Liddell (Out)