New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart for Nov. 29 | 2024 Emirates NBA Cup

The New Orleans Pelicans and the Memphis Grizzlies hope to stay alive in the Emirates NBA Cup when they face each other on Friday. A win for New Orleans will improve its record to 2-2 and eliminate Memphis. To accomplish that, they must beat the Grizzlies without key players, including Zion Williamson and Herb Jones, though.

Injuries are the main reasons the Pelicans are mired in a six-game losing slump. They have won once in their last 13 games and continue to be hampered by unavailability of multiple players. They face another tall task of beating a healthier team.

The Grizzlies, meanwhile, have slim chances of advancing to the next round, as they hold a 0-2 record. A win, though, will complicate the standings. Memphis is healthier and could maximize that when it hosts the Pelicans.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Injury Report

New Orleans Pelicans injury report

Zion Williamson (hamstring), Herb Jones (shoulder) and Jose Alvarado (hamstring) are ruled out.

Trey Murphy III, who has been playing well, is questionable due to a knee contusion. Brandon Ingram (calf), Jordan Hawkins (back) and Jamal Cain (ankle) are also questionable, while Karlo Matkovic is on G League assignment.

Memphis Grizzlies injury report

Ja Morant is probable due to a left knee contusion. GG Jackson (surgery recovery), Vince Williams Jr. (ankle) and Zach Edey (ankle) are unavailable.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Starting Lineups and Depth Charts

New Orleans Pelicans starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Dejounte Murray	Elfrid Payton
CJ McCollum	Jordan Hawkins
Javonte Green	Antonio Reeves
Brandon Boston Jr.	Jeremiah Robinson-Earl
Yves Missi	Daniel Theis	Trey Jemison III

Memphis Grizzlies starting lineup and depth chart

Starters	2nd	3rd
Ja Morant	Scotty Pippen Jr.	Yuki Kawamura
Desmond Bane	Luke Kennard	John Konchar
Jaylen Wells	Jake LaRavia
Brandon Clarke	Santi Aldama
Jaren Jackson Jr.	Jay Huff

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies Key Matchups

Ja Morant vs Dejounte Murray

If Ja Morant is cleared to play, his matchup against Dejounte Murray could be the highlight of Friday’s game. Morant was held out on Wednesday in the Grizzlies’ 131-111 win over the Detroit Pistons. When available, he has been playing like an All-Star.

Murray, who returned from a hand injury, is still finding his rhythm with his new team. Nevertheless, he remains one of the NBA’s best perimeter defenders. Slowing down Morant will be key for him and the Pelicans' hopes of a win.

Marcus Smart vs CJ McCollum

Marcus Smart and CJ McCollum have been hampered by injuries this season, but both are cleared to play the Emirates NBA Cup game, so expect an enticing matchup.

Smart is an elite defender who will try to make it tough for McCollum to score. With limited scoring options, New Orleans must find ways to get McCollum going. If Smart contains the Pelicans’ shooting guard, Memphis’ chances of winning would greatly improve.