Matchup Overview
Memphis is rolling at 6-0, outscoring opponents by over 15 points per game and owning both ends. The Pelicans, stuck at 2-4, bring offensive power but have yet to find stability, complicated by key absences in their rotation. Tonight is a shot at legitimacy—for both.
Stats Corner
- Memphis: Best-in-league net rating: +14.7 (OffRtg 118.8, DefRtg 104.1).
- Pelicans: Mid-tier with a net rating of +1.7 (OffRtg 112, DefRtg 110.3).
- Memphis defense: Opponents shoot just 49.3% eFG—elite.
- Pelicans offensive anchors: Zion Williamson — 20.7 PTS, 69.3 TS%; Dejounte Murray — 17.8 PTS, 6.0 AST.
- Memphis board work: dominating the glass with a 35.0% ORB rate.
- Turnover battle: Pelicans cough it up at a high 17.5% TOV clip (Grizzlies at 15.7%).
The Edge & What Could Break It
BAC pick: Memphis Grizzlies. The league’s only unbeaten team has the best blend of offense, defense, and continuity. This is a group built to take care of business—and they have.
Supporting the pick:
– Memphis’ core (Ty Jerome, Cameron Boozer, Cedric Coward) produces at every position. Jerome’s 25.8 PTS and 60.4 TS% drives the attack.
– Recent wins are decisive: +31 over Sacramento, +21 over Portland—this is more than just soft scheduling.
– Pelicans are missing interior anchor Yves Missi and dynamic scorer Jordan Poole, making depth—and defensive rim protection—a vulnerability.
Concrete risks:
– Grizzlies’ center Quinten Post (questionable, right ankle) could expose Memphis’ interior to Zion’s drives if he sits.
– Pelicans’ Trey Murphy III (probable) brings critical spacing—if hot, he could tilt the shooting battle in New Orleans’ favor.
– Memphis backup ball-handling takes a hit with Scotty Pippen Jr. likely out (doubtful, back).
Confidence tag: Decisive. The market sees Memphis (66% win probability) as a firm favorite; the numbers agree.
The Bottom Line
Memphis plays disciplined, physical basketball. New Orleans brings flash but lacks consistency—and will miss key contributors. Unless Zion absolutely dominates inside, the Grizzlies’ formula wins: efficient offense, swarming defense, and control of the boards. Take Memphis to stay perfect.