New Orleans vs Memphis Prediction 9 March 2025
🔊 Can the hosts handle one of the best offenses in the championship? The NBA regular season will see New Orleans face off against Memphis. At the “Smoothie King Center,” the hosts sometimes display an inspired offense. However, the Pelicans lack the goal to win. The “Grizzlies,” on the other hand, are motivated for every game. An open basketball game is predicted, where the stars of both clubs will shine. However, the guests' ambitions will inevitably show - their defense will step up at the right moment.
Head-to-Head
The last meeting took place at the end of January. Memphis secured a home victory with a score of 139-126. Moreover, the "Grizzlies" have been outplaying the Pelicans for 4 consecutive matches.
Head-to-head statistics New Orleans - Memphis
New Orleans Pelicans Team Overview
At the moment, New Orleans is playing without two key starters - Jones and Murray. Undoubtedly, McCollum and Williamson are capable of delivering decent offense. However, there is no unified structure: the defense is failing. Hence, an incredibly high number of losses. It's no surprise that the Pelicans have a 27% win rate. At this point in the season, there is little sense in trying to improve their situation. The players will simply be padding their stats, while the younger ones gain experience. The hosts' defense is one of the worst in the league - allowing 118.8 points per game. The offense, which has been without its leaders for most of the season, is also struggling - averaging 110.8 points. However, in a clash with Memphis, opportunities for scoring might open up - there will simply be more shots. And even with rather poor shooting efficiency (45%, 24th), the situation shouldn't be too bad. For most of the time, the hosts should systematically score points. But towards the end, it will become apparent that New Orleans is incredibly poor on rebounds (43.4, 23rd). This affects both games against defensive teams like Houston (97:109) and offensive ones like the Lakers (115:136).
Match Results: New Orleans Pelicans
Memphis Grizzlies Team Overview
We assume that Memphis will finally return to their usual winning ways. The team is still among the leaders of the Western Conference - 61.9% wins and 4th place. The "Grizzlies" can even climb back to the 2nd position. The opponent is more than suitable for improving the situation. Recently, they managed to deal with the Mavericks (122:111). Against New Orleans, it's realistic to deliver another strong offensive performance. Especially since the visitors have one of the most dynamic attacking groups in the championship (122.9 points per game). There's no problem with efficiency either - 48.3% (5th). Considering that only Jackson is injured, Memphis is capable of maintaining their usual playing principles. And, most likely, this will lead to significant success on the Pelicans' half. A good bench will provide not only occasionally effective defense but also the continuation of the offensive spectacle. Three-point shots are flying at 36.7% (9th). And, of course, let's note the excellent team basketball (29 assists, 6th).
Match Results: Memphis Grizzlies
Editorial Prediction
Neither team leans towards defensive basketball, so low speeds are out of the question. Memphis is in a crisis but still a top team by Western Conference standards. Morant and Bane form a very powerful backcourt capable of tearing apart the Pelicans' defense. The hosts will respond with Williamson's drives to the basket and an eagerness to shoot threes. However, the Grizzlies should be significantly better on the boards - both the starters and the bench. Our editorial team expects a fairly open game, but the visitors will likely come out better in the end - we play Memphis to win with a handicap (-5.5).
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Betting Tips: New Orleans Pelicans - Memphis Grizzlies
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