Who: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies
When: Monday, Aug. 3, 6:30 p.m ET
How to watch: Fox Sports New Orleans, ESPN
Odds: Pelicans -4.5, o/u 236.5
Losses to the Jazz and Clippers to open up play inside the NBA’s bubble has made Monday’s game against the Grizzlies a must-win for the Pelicans. While their playoff hopes are not yet dead, a loss on Monday would be a huge dent in their playoff push.
Lonzo Ball called the game a must-win for the Pelicans as the team looks for its first victory in Orlando. New Orleans is unbeaten in two other games against the Grizzlies this season. In their first meeting on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the team set a franchise record with 21 three-pointers in a 126-116 win.
Eleven days later, New Orleans routed Memphis at home, 139-111, in Zion Williamson’s first meeting against the Grizzlies. Williamson’s availability, or more specifically the degree to which he is available, continues to be the biggest topic of conversation. Williamson is still expected to be on a “burst limit” but how many bursts he’ll be allowed is uncertain.
With or without Williamson, the Pelicans head into Monday evenings game in desperate need of victory.
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