Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana
Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. CT)
Broadcast: Local coverage including Gulf Coast Sports, Pelicans+, DAZN-MEM, and NBA League Pass options.
This is an NBA Cup West Group stage matchup. The Grizzlies enter with a solid early-season record (strong away form at 5-0 in some reports) while the Pelicans sit near the bottom of the West and are looking to snap a skid at home.
Recent Team Forms
Grizzlies: 7-4 overall. They opened strongly (including an early undefeated stretch that reached 6-0 before a narrow OT loss) but have mixed results of late, including recent home and road games. Offense has been efficient with strong scoring from the backcourt and versatile forwards; they average solid points and assists while showing defensive competence in stretches. Away success has been a highlight.
Pelicans: 4-8 overall (roughly 3-4 at home). They are in a four-game losing streak in recent reports and have struggled defensively (allowing high points per game). Offensive contributions from star power exist, but inconsistency and injuries have limited results. A recent OT win over Memphis provided a highlight.
Injury Reports
Grizzlies:
C Zach Edey — Out (left ankle injury management/return from injury).
G Scotty Pippen Jr. — Out (lumbar disc herniation/back soreness; expected return around Nov. 21).
C Quinten Post — Out/Day-to-day (concussion protocol).
G Richie Saunders — Out (right knee surgery rehabilitation; longer-term).
Additional G League assignments noted for depth pieces.
Pelicans:
F Trendon Watford — Out (right ankle sprain).
F Trey Murphy III — Doubtful (bilateral patellar tendinopathy/knees).
G/F Bennedict Mathurin — Doubtful (right thumb sprain).
C Yves Missi — Doubtful (left knee contusion/bone bruise).
G Bryce McGowens — Doubtful (left elbow infection).
Zion Williamson and other core pieces are expected available.
Current Key Roster Contributors
Grizzlies: Ty Jerome (high-volume scoring and playmaking, recent 40-point explosion in the prior matchup), Cameron Boozer (versatile forward production in points/rebounds/assists), Jaylen Wells, Cedric Coward, Jerami Grant, Cam Spencer, and available bigs filling the Edey void (e.g., Isaiah Stewart elements). The group emphasizes pace, shooting, and secondary creation.
Pelicans: Zion Williamson (interior force and scoring), Herbert Jones, Karlo Matkovic (recent strong performances including 25 points vs. Memphis), Jeremiah Fears, available wings/guards such as Saddiq Bey or Jordan Poole elements, and depth options. Offense leans on Williamson’s paint presence and perimeter shooting when healthy.
Key Player vs. Player Matchups
Ty Jerome vs. Pelicans backcourt/defense (Fears, Jones, etc.): Jerome’s scoring efficiency and creation against New Orleans’ perimeter pressure. His prior 40-point night sets a high bar.
Zion Williamson vs. Grizzlies frontcourt (Boozer, available bigs without Edey): Williamson’s power and finishing in the paint versus Memphis’ size and help defense.
Cameron Boozer / Cedric Coward vs. Matkovic / available Pelicans forwards: Rebounding, versatility, and two-way play in the frontcourt.
Perimeter shooting and transition: Both sides can space the floor; turnovers and second-chance points will be decisive given the injury-thinned rotations.
Memphis’s relative depth and road form give them an edge in sustaining energy, while New Orleans relies heavily on Williamson’s impact when available.
Series History
The teams met earlier this season (Nov. 2/3) with the Pelicans winning 135-134 in overtime at FedExForum. Ty Jerome scored 40 for Memphis; Zion Williamson and Karlo Matkovic each had 25 for New Orleans. Historically competitive Southwest Division rivalry with recent tight games and home/road splits favoring the better form side on a given night. All-time series has been relatively even with streaks on both sides.
Betting Trends
Grizzlies have covered well early (strong ATS marks in reports); Pelicans mixed ATS with home struggles lately. High-scoring prior meeting and both teams’ offensive capabilities support totals near the mid-230s, though defensive issues on the Pelicans side push toward the over. Public money leans Memphis.
Memphis’s stronger overall record, better recent away results, and ability to generate offense through Jerome and versatile forwards should overcome a depleted but competitive Pelicans squad at home. New Orleans can keep it close with Williamson’s interior dominance and home energy, but sustaining a full 48 minutes against Memphis’s balance favors the visitors in this NBA Cup contest. Expect a competitive game that stays within single digits for stretches before Memphis pulls away.
Game Odds
Memphis Grizzlies – 3
New Orleans Pelicans 235
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odd Direct as of Thursday, November 12, 2026
