The Memphis Grizzlies (40-18) travel to Smoothie King Center Tuesday to take on the New Orleans Pelicans (23-34). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 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 come into this game rested, most recently beating the Charlotte Hornets 125-118 Saturday and covering as 6.5-point favorites. They’ve played just three games in the last nine days.
Memphis has been one of the hottest teams in the NBA and has covered eight of its last 10 games. The projected total has gone Over in seven of those outings as well. Memphis has the best overall record against the spread (ATS) in the NBA at 39-19.
New Orleans destroyed Toronto 120-90 at home as a 3.5-point underdog. The Pelicans have covered the spread in six of their last 10 games and are 1-1 ATS since adding G CJ McCollum from the Portland Trail Blazers at the trade deadline.
New Orleans is 28-28-1 ATS on the season.
Grizzlies at Pelicans 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 11:52 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Grizzlies -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Pelicans +160 (bet $100 to win $160)
- Against the spread (ATS): Grizzlies -4.5 (-115) | Pelicans +4.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)
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Grizzlies at Pelicans key injuries
Grizzlies
- G Dillon Brooks (ankle) out
- G Ja Morant (ankle) questionable
Pelicans (not officially submitted)
- None expected
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Grizzlies at Pelicans odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Grizzlies 119, Pelicans 110
Money line
PASS.
Memphis has been too good this season to play New Orleans (+160), especially considering it is just 13-15 straight up at home. Similarly, the new-look Pelicans showed too much against Toronto Monday to consider the Grizzlies (-200).
Against the spread
BET the GRIZZLIES -4.5 (-115).
It will be wise to wait until Morant is listed as officially in or out as his status is important. However, even when Morant is sidelined, the Grizzlies are 11-2 and have won eight of those by 10 or more points.
The Grizzlies have been too good this season to bet against. They take care of the basketball which is where their success stems from. Memphis ranks first in offensive rebounding rate and ninth in turnover rate.
While the Pelicans are second in defensive rebounding, they fall to 25th in turnover rate. Memphis forces the fifth-most turnovers per game and that could be a key factor in this outcome.
The Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns and Grizzlies are the only teams that rank top seven in both offensive and defensive rating. With an 8-2 ATS record as a road favorite, I’d side with Memphis here.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 228.5 (-107).
The Pelicans finally have a competent third scorer. With F Zion Williamson having yet to play this season, McCollum will step up and help F Brandon Ingram and C Jonas Valančiūnas.
McCollum led the team in scoring with 23 points against the Raptors Monday. The Pelicans are 1-1 O/U with McCollum, having only missed the total yesterday due to the Raptors putting up just 90.
The Grizzlies are 31-26-1 O/U this season and have gone over in six straight games and should be able to score frequently. The Grizzlies rank sixth in pace as well.
I roll with the Over here considering the recently-acquired stardom in New Orleans and quick pace of Memphis.
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