The Memphis Grizzlies travel to New Orleans for a Southwest Division matchup against the struggling Pelicans. Memphis, sitting 11th in the Western Conference, is on a four-game losing streak but has shown resilience despite a lengthy injury list. The Pelicans, dead last in the West at 15th, snapped a brief skid with back-to-back wins but remain plagued by inconsistency and poor defense. This game could be a high-scoring affair given recent head-to-head trends, with Memphis looking to exploit New Orleans’ weaknesses while the Pelicans aim to build momentum at home.
Venue Location
Smoothie King Center
New Orleans, LA
Capacity: ~18,500
This arena has been the Pelicans’ home since 2014, known for its vibrant atmosphere during divisional games, though attendance has dipped amid the team’s poor season.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (Grizzlies broadcast), Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network (Pelicans broadcast)
Streaming: NBA League Pass
This divisional clash gives the road-weary Grizzlies a chance to end their skid, while the Pelicans seek a rare home win.
Recent Team Forms
The Grizzlies are 3-7 in their last 10, on a four-game slide with defensive lapses allowing 120+ PPG in losses. The Pelicans are 3-7 in their last 10, but recent wins show offensive flashes averaging 118 PPG.
Grizzlies Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 28, 2026 | vs. Charlotte Hornets | L | 97-112 |
| Jan 26, 2026 | @ Houston Rockets | L | 99-108 |
| Jan 23, 2026 | vs. New Orleans Pelicans | L | 127-133 |
| Jan 21, 2026 | vs. Atlanta Hawks | L | 122-124 |
| Jan 18, 2026 | vs. Orlando Magic | W | 126-109 |
Memphis’ losses highlight poor rebounding and turnovers, but the Magic win showcased Jaren Jackson Jr.’s scoring (26+ PPG average).
Pelicans Last 5 Games:
| Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Jan 27, 2026 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | L | 95-104 |
| Jan 25, 2026 | @ San Antonio Spurs | W | 104-95 |
| Jan 23, 2026 | @ Memphis Grizzlies | W | 133-127 |
| Jan 21, 2026 | vs. Detroit Pistons | L | 104-112 |
| Jan 19, 2026 | @ Houston Rockets | L | 110-119 |
New Orleans’ wins featured strong perimeter shooting (36% 3PT), but losses exposed defensive woes (112+ PPG allowed).
Injury Report
Grizzlies:
Ja Morant (PG): Out – Left elbow UCL sprain
Zach Edey (C): Out – Left ankle stress reaction
Brandon Clarke (F/C): Out – Right calf strain
Scotty Pippen Jr. (G): Out – Left great toe surgery recovery
Santi Aldama (F): Out – Right knee injury management
Ty Jerome (G): Doubtful – Right calf strain
Memphis’ absences decimate their backcourt and frontcourt depth, forcing reliance on Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane.
Pelicans:
Dejounte Murray (PG): Out – Right Achilles rupture
Trey Alexander (G): Out – G League two-way
Hunter Dickinson (C): Out – G League two-way
New Orleans’ clean bill outside of Murray gives them an edge in availability, with Zion Williamson expected to lead.
Key
Player Matchups
Injuries shape this game, pitting Memphis’ depleted roster against New Orleans’ stars:
Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM) vs. Zion Williamson (NOP): Jackson’s shot-blocking (2+ BPG) vs. Williamson’s drives (25+ PPG). This frontcourt clash could decide rebounding.
Desmond Bane (MEM) vs. Jose Alvarado (NOP): Bane’s scoring (20+ PPG) vs. Alvarado’s pesky defense (steals leader).
Marcus Smart (MEM) vs. Brandon Ingram (NOP): Smart’s veteran grit vs. Ingram’s mid-range (if active; 22 PPG average).
Bench: Grizzlies’ youth vs. Pelicans’ depth: Memphis benches average low output without Morant, while New Orleans’ reserves like Trey Murphy III provide shooting.
Projected Starters: Grizzlies – Smart, Bane, Wells, Jackson Jr., Queen; Pelicans – Alvarado, Ingram, Bey, Williamson, Theis.
Memphis projects for 110-115 points if Jackson dominates inside.
Series History
New Orleans leads the all-time series 45-44. Recent games favor Memphis: Last 5 meetings: Grizzlies 3-2 (average margin: +5.6 points). Last 10: Grizzlies 6-4. Last 20: Tied 10-10. Most recent (Jan 23, 2026): Pelicans 133-127 win. Streak: Pelicans won 1; prior Grizzlies won 2 (including OT thriller). Head-to-Head Trends: Over in 3 of last 4; average total 247 points. Memphis has won 7 of last 10 in New Orleans.
Betting Trends
Grizzlies: 20-25 ATS overall; 6-6 ATS on road; 2-3 ATS as underdogs; OVER in 4 of last 5. Pelicans: 18-31 ATS overall; 5-14 ATS at home; 3-7 ATS as favorites; UNDER in 6 of last 10. Head-to-Head: Grizzlies 6-4 ATS in last 10; OVER in 7 of last 10 (avg. 240 points).
Game Odds
Memphis Grizzlies 233.5
New Orleans Pelicans – 2.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, January 29, 2026
