Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans Point Spread Picks

The teams met a week ago, and New Orleans outscored the Grizzlies 40-26 in the fourth quarter, winning 133-127. Memphis will look to avenge that defeat tonight in addition to snapping a four-game slide. The Pelicans played three road games in a five-day span and won two, but they are still tied for the worst record in the Western Conference and are 1-4 ATS in their past five home games. Memphis has covered four of five following a double-digit home loss, and the Grizzlies are 7-3 ATS in the past 10 meetings, winning the past five on the road. The Grizzlies are 8-4 ATS in their past 12 against Southwest Division foes, and the Pelicans have lost seven of eight home games. New Orleans has gone UNDER four of five overall and eight of 10 against the Western Conference. Memphis 26-19 UNDER this season. Take the Grizzlies and the UNDER.

Memphis hasn't been playing well enough to lay this many points, even against the Pelicans. The Grizzlies are 3-8 straight up and ATS in their past 11 games, and New Orleans is 8-1 ATS in its past nine against Southwest Division opponents. The Pelicans have gone UNDER eight of 11 overall and six of seven versus Western Conference teams. They are 7-1 UNDER following an ATS loss. The Grizzlies are just 9-12 at home and rank #27 in field goal percentage (.455) and #22 in 3-point shooting (.349). Ja Morant is injured again and will miss the game due to a UCL sprain in his left elbow. New Orleans is 24-22 ATS this season. Take the points with the Pelicans and the UNDER.

Both Memphis and New Orleans have a lot of work to do. Memphis once again will have to take the court without do-everything star Ja Morant. Memphis is just 3-10 in its last 13 games and has not done much covering, as it is 5-12 ATS. New Orleans has won just three games all season and comes in at 3-15. New Orleans has to be feeling good. Not only did they break a nine-game losing streak, but they also won for the first time at home all season. The Grizzlies are missing their best player, and the Pelicans should be a bit more inspired to win another one tonight. Make the play on New Orleans. 

New Orleans has a new look on offense that will take time to mesh. Starting guard Dejounte Murray averaged 17.5 points per game last season, but is recovering from an injury and won't be around for a few months. 19-year-old lottery pick guard Jeremiah Fears will get minutes in the backcourt, along with newcomer Jordan Poole, who was picked up in a trade from the Washington Wizards. Memphis coach Tuomas Iisalo gets the full-time job after taking over the final 11 games. He's more of a disciplinarian than his predecessor. The Grizzlies traded starting guard and third-leading scorer Desmond Bane (19.2 ppg, 5.3 apg), which included getting four first-round draft picks. This is too high a total, considering all the new pieces at key offensive spots. Take New Orleans/Memphis UNDER the total.