The Memphis Grizzlies (39-24) are set to face off against the New Orleans Pelicans (17-47) on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. This game is crucial for both teams as they aim to improve their standings in the Western Conference.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies have been in fine form, winning four of their last six games overall. They are aiming for a third straight win after outlasting the Phoenix Suns in a 149-141 overtime home win on Friday. Key players for the Grizzlies include:
Ja Morant: Leading the team with 31 points and eight assists on 13 of 29 shooting in their recent win against the Mavericks.
Desmond Bane: Adding 27 points with 16 rebounds and six assists while Brandon Clarke chipped in with 17 points and four blocks off the bench.
Jaren Jackson Jr.: Averaging 22.7 points and 5.8 rebounds, though he will miss his third consecutive game due to an ankle injury.
As a team, the Grizzlies shot 47 percent from the field and eight of 21 from the 3-point line in their recent game. They have been in excellent form, winning 13 of their last 16 games dating back to the end of January.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans have had a challenging season, currently sitting near the bottom of the Western Conference. They have lost four of their last five games overall and are looking to bounce back from a 146-117 road defeat to the Houston Rockets on Saturday. Key players for the Pelicans include:
Zion Williamson: Leading the team with 20 points on 10 of 19 shooting in their recent game against the Rockets. Williamson has been dealing with a hamstring injury and has yet to play in games on consecutive nights since returning from the injury in early January.
CJ McCollum: Adding 17 points in the same game.
Jose Alvarado: Contributing 17 points as well.
The Pelicans have been struggling on the road, losing each of their last six road games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
Game Insights
Points/Game: The Grizzlies are averaging 123 points per game, while the Pelicans are averaging 110.9 points.
Rebounds/Game: The Grizzlies lead in rebounds per game, with 47.7, while the Pelicans average 43.5.
Threes Made/Game: The Grizzlies make 14.3 three-pointers per game, while the Pelicans average 12.3.
Injuries
Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. (ankle) is out.
Pelicans: Zion Williamson (hamstring) is questionable.
Memphis Grizzlies – 9
New Orleans Pelicans 239
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Saturday, March 8, 2025
