The Memphis Grizzlies are gearing up for a back-to-back matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans tonight. Memphis is coming off a strong 155-126 win over the Toronto Raptors, sitting at a 21-10 record. On the other hand, the Pelicans are at their worst with an 8-game losing streak with a 5-26 record. The upcoming game is crucial for New Orleans as the Grizzlies are eyeing another strong performance. However, Ja Morant is raising questions given his injury for the last two games. Let’s break down the injury report and what we can expect from both teams.
Heading into tonight’s matchup, the Grizzlies have some notable injury concerns. But the good news is Ja Morant is not listed on the injury report. He has been dealing with issues related to his hip, knee, and back. The team reports Santi Aldama as day-to-day for his ankle issues. Marcus Smart (finger) and Jay Huff (ankle) as out from their previous injuries. Similarly, the Pelicans have several players out from previous games. Brandon Ingram (ankle), Zion Williamson (hamstring), Karlo Matkovic (back), and Jose Alvarado (hamstring). All these players will not be playing for at least next week.
Can Ja Morant’s form lead Memphis to another victory?
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The Grizzlies are coming into tonight’s game after one of their most impressive wins of the season. In their Thursday matchup against the Raptors, Memphis set a franchise record for points scored in a game (155), with all of their starters scoring in double digits. Despite his injuries, Ja Morant has been playing in his form, finishing with 15 points, 9 assists, and 2 rebounds in just 24 minutes.
via Imago
Nov 29, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) drives to the basket between Memphis Grizzlies forward Santi Aldama (7) and center Jay Huff (30) defends during the third quarter at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
On the other side, New Orleans is struggling to keep pace in the Western Conference. Their offense ranks as one of the lowest in the league, averaging just 105.9 points per game, well below the 113.4 points by the Grizzlies. Despite this, players like CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III have shown brilliance. McCollum is averaging 21.2 points per game and Murphy has been a key contributor to the team, hitting 2.9 three-pointers per game. The Pelicans will need to capitalize on Memphis’s weakness in 3-point shooting to stand a chance.
Memphis and New Orleans met back on November 29, where the Grizzlies took a 120-109 victory. In that game, Ja led with 27 points, 7 assists, and 3 steals. Morant’s history against the Pelicans in 15 games averages 23.3 points, 8.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. He’s shooting a solid 48.9% from the field in those matchups, despite struggling from beyond the arc (25.3% from three-point range).
Depth Chart for both teams
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New Orleans Pelicans Depth Chart:
| Position | Starter | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| PG | Dejounte Murray | CJ McCollum | Brandon Boston | Jordan Hawkins | Brandon Ingram |
| SG | CJ McCollum | Jordan Hawkins | Trey Murphy III | Brandon Boston | Dejounte Murray |
| SF | Trey Murphy III | Brandon Boston | Javonte Green | Herbert Jones | Jamal Cain |
| PF | Herbert Jones | Javonte Green | Trey Murphy III | Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | Karlo Matkovic O |
| C | Yves Missi | Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | Daniel Theis | Trey Jemison III | Herbert Jones |
Memphis Grizzlies Depth Chart:
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| Position | Starter | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| PG | Ja Morant | Marcus Smart DD | Scotty Pippen Jr. | Luke Kennard | Yuki Kawamura |
| SG | Desmond Bane | Luke Kennard | Marcus Smart DD | Jaylen Wells | Cam Spencer |
| SF | Jaylen Wells | Jake LaRavia | Luke Kennard | Desmond Bane | John Konchar |
| PF | Jaren Jackson Jr. | Santi Aldama DD | Jake LaRavia | Brandon Clarke | GG Jackson II O |
| C | Zach Edey | Brandon Clarke | Jay Huff O | Jaren Jackson Jr. | Colin Castleton |
The Grizzlies are in strong form and looking to stay in the upper tier of the Western Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Pelicans have ongoing struggles, making this a challenging matchup. Despite the setbacks, New Orleans has shown competitiveness at times this season. Will they be able to turn things around tonight? This matchup could provide an answer to that question.
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