New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies 3/8/22: Starting Lineups, Matchup Preview, Betting Odds, Predictions

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies Matchup Preview (3/8/22)

For our first matchup on Tuesday night’s TNT slate, the New Orleans Pelicans will fly to Memphis and battle the Grizzlies in an attempt to try and inch closer to a play-in game spot in a tough Western Conference. Every game from this point on has serious implications for the Pels’ playoff chances, and they cannot afford to take any nights off at this point. Unfortunately, they just dropped a hard-fought road game against the Denver Nuggets after Nikola Jokic went nuclear in the fourth quarter and overtime, scoring 30 points during that span. Regardless, the addition of C.J. McCollum is huge, and we cannot understate his immediate value to this team. Even if they don’t make the playoffs this season, they are well-positioned for future seasons, especially if Zion Williamson can return to form.

The Grizzlies also suffered a loss in their last game, but it was bad. Regardless of where the game is located, there is no reason for Memphis to drop a game to the Houston Rockets, especially with as well as it has played in the past few months. There is some additional hope for Memphis, though: Dillon Brooks could return at some point before the playoffs. If he returns, this gives the Grizzlies yet another playmaking guard and solid defensive presence. Check out my analysis under the betting odds section and see who I have winning this game!

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies Betting Odds

Memphis should win this game, especially at home, but I could see this new-look Pelicans team giving the Grizzlies a bit more than they bargained for. New Orleans has been very competitive recently, winning nine of its last 13 games, with only losses coming against the Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, San Antonio Spurs, and Memphis Grizzlies. Besides the loss to the Spurs, those are all acceptable losses and speak to how well the Pels have been playing. Since February 1st, they have had an offensive rating of 119.3, which places them at sixth in the NBA. To further my point, the Pels have been third in defensive rating during that period. I would take the Grizzlies’ Moneyline for this matchup; however, I will be all over the Pelicans against the spread if the spread is more than four points.

How To Watch

Date: 3/8/22
Time: 7:30 PM ET
Arena: FedEx Forum – Memphis, TN
Channel: TNT

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New Orleans Pelicans Starting Lineup

PG: C.J. McCollum
SG: Brandon Ingram
SF: Herb Jones
PF: Jaxson Hayes
C: Jonas Valanciunas

New Orleans Pelicans Analysis

The New Orleans Pelicans suffered a heartbreaking overtime defeat to the Denver Nuggets on the road. After leading by ten points going into the fourth quarter, the Pels blew a lead and almost lost the game in regulation after throwing an out-of-control pass near half-court. Still, despite a tumultuous season, and a horrendous 1-12 start, the Pelicans are weirdly not far from being a play-in team for the playoffs. With how the Los Angeles Lakers have been playing, this could become a reality, which no fans expected after the first six weeks of the NBA season. Over the past 13 games, New Orleans is 9-4 and making a real run at the post-season. Some of their success during that span can be attributed to the addition of star shooting guard C.J. McCollum, who has been exactly what the Pels were missing. If Zion Williamson ever comes back, whether this season or next, they could be a contender in a Western Conference that is quite top-heavy.

Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineup

PG: Ja Morant
SG: Desmond Bane
SF: Ziaire Williams
PF: Kyle Anderson
C: Jaren Jackson Jr.

Memphis Grizzlies Analysis

After playing efficient and electric basketball for several months, Memphis has catapulted to second place in the Western Conference. It also certainly helps that the Golden State Warriors have taken a tumble; however, the Grizzlies would have likely caught them regardless. It may be too late for the Grizzlies to knock the Phoenix Suns out of first place, but they can still put fear in the rest of the NBA. Since February 1st, the Grizzlies rank fifth in defensive rating and offensive rating, making them one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Still, they have dropped two of their past three games, with one of those losses being against the Houston Rockets, one of the worst teams. These things can happen in a league with this much talent, but it is a slight cause for concern for the immediate future. Hopefully, they can bounce back against a surging Pelicans team on Tuesday night.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies Daily Fantasy Picks

Since joining the New Orleans Pelicans, C.J. McCollum has been on a tear, averaging roughly 26 points, six rebounds, and six assists on a 52/41/77 shooting split. McCollum could shoot a bit better from the free-throw line, considering he is over an 80% career shooter from the charity stripe. Still, he has been phenomenal in New Orleans, and this team has prospered because of it. If this is any indication of what we can continue to expect, then C.J. McCollum certainly deserves a look in DFS with how well he shoots the ball. I like this matchup a lot for him.

Desmond Bane looks as good as ever after a few rough games over the last month. In his past two games, Bane has posted 28 points, three assists, two rebounds and 24 points, six rebounds, and two assists. Ja Morant commands a high usage for Memphis, but Bane still has plenty of opportunities to score and produce offensively. This game could be a solid opportunity to keep riding Bane’s momentum; a 30-point night could be in the cards if the Pels focus most of their defensive energy on Morant.