New Orleans vs Memphis Prediction 14 November 2026
π New Orleans host Memphis in an NBA regular-season game. The Grizzlies are firmly in the top half of the Western Conference and remain one of the leagueβs toughest teams to play away from home. The Pelicans are in a slump, having lost four games in a row while conceding plenty of points and dealing with roster problems.
Head-to-Head
π The last five head-to-head games paint a mixed picture: the Memphis Grizzlies won three of the five, but the New Orleans Pelicans won the most recent game, outscoring Memphis in a dramatic overtime game in early November (135-134).
Head-to-head statistics New Orleans - Memphis

New Orleans: defence remains their Achilles' heel
New Orleans suffered a heavy home defeat to Brooklyn in their last game (111-145). Before that, the Pelicans lost to Golden State, Minnesota and the Clippers, while their only win in their last five games came against Utah in overtime. New Orleansβ offence is among the leagueβs best, scoring 116.9 points per game (8th), but their defence is virtually non-existent, conceding as many as 124.3 points (second-worst). They are particularly vulnerable against fast-paced teams, a category that includes Memphis.
Zion Williamson remains their main offensive force, but he lacks consistent support. The franchise are currently facing major personnel problems: injuries have ruled Yves Missi, Trey Murphy III, Bennedict Mathurin, Bryce McGowens and Trendon Watford out of the rotation. Without Missi and Murphy, the Pelicansβ frontcourt is even weaker, and Zion is forced to shoulder almost the entire burden in the paint.
Match Results: New Orleans Pelicans

Memphis Grizzlies: problems in the paint won't hold them back
Despite losing to Denver (118-123), the Grizzlies still look considerably more consistent than their current opponents. They have been excellent on the road (5-0 away) and can control the pace through their rebounding and tight defence. Even without some frontcourt rotation players (Zach Edey and Quinten Post), Memphis retain their balance and can punish opponents with effective fast breaks.
Memphis are slightly better than New Orleans offensively, scoring 117.9 points per game (7th), and are far stronger defensively (111.9 points conceded, 11th). The Tennessee side favour physical basketball, battling for rebounds and getting out quickly in transition. Even with their frontcourt absences, they will look to dominate the boards and limit Zion in the paint, making this a favourable matchup for them.
Match Results: Memphis Grizzlies
First-quarter prediction
New Orleans have scored fewer than 31.5 points in the first quarter in 13 of their last 14 home games. They have averaged 26 points in that quarter across their last ten home games. Our pick is New Orleans Pelicans First Quarter Team Total Points Under 31.5 at odds of 1.55.*
Outcome Prediction
Memphis have covered a (-2.5) handicap in seven consecutive away games. They have won five of their last ten away games, while New Orleans have won three of their last ten home games. We pick Grizzlies Handicap (-2.5) at odds of 1.75.*
Total Points Prediction
Under 241.5 points has landed in 13 of Memphis Grizzlies' last 14 games. New Orleans Pelicans average 113.8 points scored and 115.6 conceded at home, while Memphis Grizzlies average 117.4 scored and 107.5 conceded away. The Pelicans' last six games have gone over 223.5 points, but that does not contradict the chosen line. We pick Under 241.5 Total Points at odds of 1.51.*
Reliable bet
Memphis have scored fewer than 33.5 points in the first quarter in 14 consecutive away games. They have also failed to reach 31.5 points in that quarter in their last nine games. We pick Grizzlies first-quarter team total points under 33.5 at odds of 1.42.*
*Odds are approximate and may vary between bookmakers.
β Editorβs prediction
The game could be fairly high-scoring, but the more organised and consistent team from Memphis should have the edge. The visitors should handle the closing stages of the quarters better and prevent the Pelicans from getting out on the break. We think the significant gap in defensive quality and the hostsβ considerable personnel problems will be decisive in a win for Iisaloβs team. Weβre backing the Grizzlies to win.