New Orleans takes on Memphis, seeks 5th straight win

By The Associated Press

Memphis Grizzlies (6-19, 13th in the Western Conference) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (16-11, seventh in the Western Conference)

New Orleans; Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. EST

FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK NBA LINE: Pelicans -7; over/under is 232.5

BOTTOM LINE: New Orleans will try to continue its four-game win streak with a victory over Memphis.

Other news

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) goes to the basket between New Orleans Pelicans guard CJ McCollum (3) and forward Herbert Jones (5) in the first half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Morant scores 34 points in season debut to lift Grizzlies over Pelicans 115-113

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) goes to the basket between New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (5) and guard Dyson Daniels for the game winning shot at the buzzer in the second half of an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. The Grizzlies won 115-113. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Ja Morant scores 34 in return from ban, hits game-winner at horn to lift Grizzlies over Pelicans

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) greets LSU quarterback and NCAA football Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, left, after scoring the game-winning basket at the buzzer in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New Orleans Pelicans in New Orleans, Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. The Grizzlies won 115-113. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Ja Morant gratified by a ‘perfect ending’ to a ‘perfect day’ as he returns from NBA suspension

The Pelicans are 4-2 against the rest of their division. New Orleans ranks seventh in the Western Conference with 26.5 assists per game led by Brandon Ingram averaging 5.2.

The Grizzlies are 2-6 against opponents from the Southwest Division. Memphis is 5-9 in games decided by at least 10 points.

The Pelicans average 11.3 made 3-pointers per game this season, 2.9 fewer makes per game than the Grizzlies give up (14.2). The Grizzlies average 13.0 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.6 fewer makes per game than the Pelicans give up.

The teams square off for the second time this season. In the last matchup on Oct. 26 the Pelicans won 111-104 led by 24 points from CJ McCollum, while Desmond Bane scored 31 points for the Grizzlies.

TOP PERFORMERS: Jonas Valanciunas is scoring 14.8 points per game with 10.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists for the Pelicans. Ingram is averaging 21.0 points and 4.1 rebounds while shooting 48.7% over the past 10 games for New Orleans.

Bane is averaging 24.6 points and 5.2 assists for the Grizzlies. Jaren Jackson Jr. is averaging 24.2 points over the last 10 games for Memphis.

LAST 10 GAMES: Pelicans: 7-3, averaging 121.2 points, 44.6 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 8.6 steals and 4.2 blocks per game while shooting 49.7% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.4 points per game.

Grizzlies: 3-7, averaging 104.8 points, 42.2 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 7.3 steals and 6.6 blocks per game while shooting 44.2% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.5 points.

INJURIES: Pelicans: Matt Ryan: out (calf), Larry Nance Jr.: out (rib), Naji Marshall: day to day (ankle).

Grizzlies: Marcus Smart: out (ankle), Brandon Clarke: out (achilles), Bismack Biyombo: day to day (back), Derrick Rose: out (hamstring), Steven Adams: out for season (knee), Luke Kennard: out (knee).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.