New Orleans at Memphis

The young New Orleans Pelicans had a quiet offseason. They flexed their muscles at home last season (27-14) but were a very different team on the road with a 15-26 straight-up record. That's common with young squads. Memphis opens the season at home off back-to-back 50-win campaigns. Defense is their calling card ranked 11th in points allowed and No. 1 in field goal shooting allowed (45.3%). They add 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year guard Marcus Smart. Memphis was 35-6 straight up at home last season, the best home mark in the NBA, with the wagering value on the home team to win the game. Play Memphis on the moneyline.