Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 27, 2024

The Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans matchup is one of the eight games scheduled for Friday. The two Western Conference teams are off to contrasting starts. While Memphis is third in the conference with a 21-10 record, New Orleans is last and has the worst record in the league at 5-26.

The two teams have met 83 times in the regular season, with New Orleans holding a 44-39 lead. This will be their second meeting this season after previously playing on Nov. 29, when Memphis won 120-109. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 27 points, seven points and three steals, while CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 30 points.

Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans game details and odds

The Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans game is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST on Friday, Dec. 27, at Smoothie King Center. The matchup will be broadcast locally on GCSEN and FanDuel Sports Network - Southeast - Memphis. Fans can also stream it live on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Grizzlies (-425) vs. Pelicans (+325)

Spread: Grizzlies (-9.5) vs. Pelicans (+9.5)

Total (O/U): Grizzlies -110 (o239) vs. Pelicans -110 (u239)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans preview

The Grizzlies are coming off of a blowout 155-126 win against the Toronto Raptors on Thursday. Memphis’ 155 points are the most any team has scored in the 2024-25 season. All Memphis starters scored in double digits and were led by Zach Edey’s 21 points and 16 rebounds.

Memphis is 7-3 in the past 10 games and has an average 7-6 record on the road. That, however, is expected to get better when it visits the struggling Pelicans.

New Orleans is on an eight-game losing streak, the worst in the Western Conference. The Pelicans also played Thursday and lost 128-111 to the Houston Rockets. Trey Murphy III led the team with 21 points.

As both teams will be playing the second leg of back-to-backs, expect tired legs on both teams. However, New Orleans’ injury issues mean it is more likely to suffer the consequences of playing for a second straight night than Memphis.

Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans betting props

Ja Morant’s point total is set at 23.5. Morant had an off night against Toronto with just 15 points. Bet on him to be more aggressive Friday and score over 23.5 points.

CJ McCollum’s points total is set at 20.5. After scoring just 13 points against Houston, McCollum will likely look to take more shots against Memphis. Take a risk and bet on the over.

Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans prediction

The oddsmakers heavily favor the Grizzlies to win despite being on the road. The contrasting records of the two teams make it evident why, and we predict Memphis to cover the spread. This should be a high-scoring game with the team total going past 239 points.