Pelicans vs Grizzlies Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 3/9/2025

The Memphis Grizzlies roll into the Smoothie King Center riding high after snapping their four-game losing streak with an impressive road win against Dallas, while the New Orleans Pelicans enter this divisional clash reeling from back-to-back losses and mounting injury woes.

With Ja Morant dropping 31 points in their last outing and the Grizzlies owning all three matchups against New Orleans this season, Memphis brings their league-leading pace and second-ranked offense (122.9 ppg) against a Pelicans squad that's struggled to find consistency without key players Herbert Jones and Dejounte Murray.

The battle-tested Grizzlies (39-24) look to maintain their slim Southwest Division lead as they face off against the home team Pelicans (17-46) in what could be another high-scoring affair at the Big Easy.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies preview

The Memphis Grizzlies roll into the Big Easy looking to complete a season sweep of their Southwest Division rivals, having already taken all three matchups against the struggling Pelicans this year.

Memphis's high-octane offense, led by Ja Morant's explosive playmaking, has been lighting up scoreboards - they're putting up nearly 123 points per game, good for second-best in the league.

The Grizzlies got their mojo back with a gutsy win over Dallas, where Morant dropped 31 points and orchestrated a decisive 18-4 run to close out the game.

New Orleans has hit a rough patch without Herbert Jones and Dejounte Murray (both out for the season), though Zion Williamson continues to be a bright spot, averaging 24.6 points and showing flashes of his dominant self.

The Pelicans' defense has been their Achilles' heel, giving up nearly 119 points per game, and they'll have their hands full trying to contain Memphis's league-leading pace of play.

Keep an eye on the Grizzlies' Desmond Bane, who's been quietly efficient with 18.7 points per game, though he'll need to step up with Santi Aldama sidelined due to a calf injury.

The Smoothie King Center hasn't exactly been a fortress for the Pelicans this season - they're just 11-20 at home, and fatigue could be a factor as they're playing their third game in four nights.

This divisional clash has all the makings of an up-tempo affair, with Memphis's run-and-gun style likely to set the tone against a New Orleans squad searching for answers.