The Memphis Grizzlies (6-6) travel to Smoothie King Center Saturday to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (1-12). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Grizzlies vs. Pelicans odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Grizzlies will look to rebound after being throttled 119-94 by the Phoenix Suns Friday.
Led by star G Ja Morant, the Grizzlies will desperately need to come out on top. Morant and F Jaren Jackson Jr. were the only two with double-digit scoring against Phoenix. Memphis is 7-5 against the spread (ATS).
The Pelicans are also coming in off a tough loss, but they looked far more competent in their 8-point loss to the Brooklyn Nets Friday. Six players hit double-digit scoring as the team was paced by C Jonas Valančiūnas‘ 20 points.
New Orleans surely hopes to get F Brandon Ingram back in the near future, and star forward Zion Williamson has yet to play this season. The Pelicans are 5-8 ATS.
Grizzlies at Pelicans odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:45 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Grizzlies -180 (bet $180 to win $100) | Pelicans +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
- Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies -4.5 (-108) | Pelicans +4.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Grizzlies at Pelicans key injuries
Grizzlies
- F Dillon Brooks (hand) questionable
Pelicans
- F Brandon Ingram (hip) questionable
- PF Zion Williamson (foot) out
Grizzlies at Pelicans odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Grizzlies 113, Pelicans 105
Money line
PASS on the money line with a slight “lean” to the Grizzlies (-180). Memphis is the better team, having made the playoffs a year ago.
Their cause is helped by having arguably the best two players on the court. I don’t hate their value at -180, but I’d still look towards the points as most NBA games finish spread by more than four points.
Against the spread
BET on the GRIZZLIES -4.5 (-108) as Memphis has been terrific against sub-.500 teams.
The Grizzlies have played well against teams outside of playoff contention. Memphis has the No. 1 strength of schedule so far in the NBA, and many of their losses have been quality defeats.
They handed Golden State its only defeat. Morant is a bonafide superstar, and with a top-three offensive rebounding rate, the Griz should get some easy opportunities as well.
The Pelicans may be short Ingram and will certainly be down their superstar forward Williamson. I’m taking the Grizzlies and the points considering these injuries.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the UNDER 218.5 (-108) as neither team shoots well. While both are young and may push the pace, the Grizzlies rank 24th in field goal percentage while the Pelicans are 27th.
They’re both in the bottom third in true shooting percentage as well, basically noting that neither team’s three-point shooting makes up for its weak overall shooting.
With the Pelicans a top-ten team in defensive rebounding rate, they should be able to at least limit the Grizzlies on the glass. Both teams also rank outside the top ten in pace.
Considering that and the poor shooting, I’m taking the Under.
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]