The Memphis Grizzlies (55-25) host the New Orleans Pelicans (36-44) Saturday at FedExForum for a 6 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Pelicans vs. Grizzlies odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
New Orleans has won 5 of its last 6 games — 4-2 against the spread (ATS) — including back-to-back road victories. The Pelicans defeated the Sacramento Kings 123-109 Tuesday and the Portland Trail Blazers 127-94 Thursday.
Memphis enters on a 2-game skid following a 7-game win streak. The losses were at the Utah Jazz 121-115 in overtime Tuesday and at the Denver Nuggets 122-109 Thursday. The Grizzlies are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games.
They are 2-1 straight up (SU) and ATS this season versus the Pelicans and the Over/Under (O/U) is 2-1.
Pelicans at Grizzlies odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:57 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Pelicans +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Grizzlies -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
- Against the spread: Pelicans +6.5 (-112) | Grizzlies -6.5 (-108)
- Over/Under: 230.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Pelicans at Grizzlies key injuries
Pelicans
- SF Brandon Ingram (hamstring) questionable
Grizzlies
- PG Ja Morant (knee) questionable
[tipico]
Pelicans at Grizzlies odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Grizzlies 112, Pelicans 109
Money line
PASS with a heavy “lean” to the Pelicans (+220) since I’m on their spread and typically I’ll sprinkle on an underdog when betting them to cover.
What’s holding me back from taking the Pelicans’ ML is Ingram’s “questionable” status. Ingram has New Orleans’ highest adjusted on/off net rating at plus-9.5, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).
If Ingram is able to play, I’ll reconsider, but at the moment, PASS.
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Against the spread
BET PELICANS +6.5 (-112) because there aren’t 6.5 points separating these teams and the Grizzlies could be easier to defend if Morant makes his return Saturday.
The Pelicans are sixth in adjusted net rating (plus-5.5) and first in ATS margin (plus-6.3) since the All-Star break. Plus, NOLA’s offense got a major boost after acquiring SG C.J. McCollum in February.
Furthermore, the only reason Morant would play is to get reps before the postseason. If Morant’s teammates stand around and let him cook, then Memphis may struggle in half-court sets.
NEW ORLEANS +6.5 (-112) is my favorite wager in this game.
Over/Under
Slight LEAN to the UNDER 230.5 (-112).
My numbers are far enough below the market’s projected score and Tipico Sportsbook is trying to induce Over action by making it cheaper.
Also, the Pelicans are 8-24 O/U as road underdogs, the Grizzlies are 1-5 O/U in their last 6 games as favorites and all three of the referees assigned to this game have officiated more Unders than Overs.
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