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The Memphis Grizzlies welcome the New Orleans Pelicans to the FedExForum Wednesday for the 2023-24 season opener. Tip is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Pelicans vs. Grizzlies odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; teams split 4 games last season with each winning twice at home
The Grizzlies will open their season at home without G Ja Morant, who has been suspended 25 games. Memphis ended 2nd in the Western Conference last season at 51-31, including 35-6 at home. The Grizzlies will be led by G Desmond Bane, who averaged a career-high 21.5 points per game (PPG) last season. Memphis was 39-47-2 against the spread (ATS) last season.
New Orleans was 39-42-2 ATS last season and ended the season 42-40 straight up, good for 9th in the West. F Zion Williamson is expected to be healthy to start the season. He played just 29 games last season, but averaged 26 PPG when he did play. F Brandon Ingram averaged a career-high 24.7 PPG last season.
Pelicans at Grizzlies odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:29 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pelicans -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Grizzlies -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans +1.5 (-125) | Grizzlies -1.5 (+105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Pelicans at Grizzlies key injuries
Pelicans
- G Trey Murphy III (knee) out
Grizzlies
- F Santi Aldama (ankle) out
- C Brandon Clarke (Achilles) out
- G Ja Morant (suspension) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Pelicans at Grizzlies picks and predictions
Prediction
Pelicans 118, Grizzlies 114
Moneyline
BET PELICANS (-110).
The Pelicans have the star power to go into Memphis and come out on top. They have 3 players in their starting lineup who averaged more than 20 points per game last season while the Grizzlies have just Bane with those credentials. New Orleans high-level playmaking should give them an edge.
The Pelicans were 17-12 with Williamson in the lineup last season as well. They should have the size and skill advantage over a short-handed Grizzlies team that is missing Morant and 2 key front court pieces.
Take PELICANS (-110).
Against the spread
PASS.
Take the stress out of it if the game is close and take the moneyline over the spread here.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 227.5 (-110).
The Pelicans have top-tier offensive talent with a trio of 20-point scorers; however, they lack defensively. Couple that with the Grizzlies, who ranked 8th in pace, and the tempo should aid scoring as well.
Both teams ranked in the top 10 in offensive rebounding rate, so there should be plenty of 2nd-chance opportunities. Put the 2 together and take OVER 227.5 (-110).
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