Pelicans vs Grizzlies: Line-Ups, Injuries, Predictions and More

The Memphis Grizzlies look like a new team. And why wouldn’t they? With a three-game winning streak and superstar Ja Morant in the lead, the Grizzlies look like they are out of hibernation. Getting ready to face Memphis, the New Orleans Pelicans will be looking to avenge their last loss when they went head-to-head with them. Last Wednesday’s game saw the Grizzlies crush the Pelicans with a 113-115 score.

Aside from that, the Pelican State also lost their previous matchup against the Houston Rockets. So, a loss and revenge – great motivational factors. Take a look at the injury reports, expected lineups, predictions, and more!

Injury reports and expected lineups tonight

As of now, the Pelicans injury report has two players that are out, while a third is questionable. Matt Ryan and Larry Nance Jr. are out for the Grizzlies game. Cody Zeller, though listed as day-to-day, has been revealed as questionable for Tuesday’s game. Ryan has been sidelined since November 20th. Initially ruled as right calf soreness, it was later revealed to be a strain. On December 3rd, his injury was reported as elbow soreness.

The latest in the report was on the 13th when he had to undergo surgery due to elbow strain and was announced to miss six to eight weeks. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, also have significant pieces missing. With Steven Adams and Brandon Clarke listed as ‘Out’ for a long time, Luke Kennard and Derrick Rose have also joined them.

Marcus Smart has been updated to be questionable. Two more players are out for non-injury-related reasons – GG Jackson II (two-way transfer) and Jake LaRavia (G League Assignment).

Looking at the recent starting lineups, we can expect the Grizzlies lineup to feature Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., Vince Williams Jr., and Bismack Biyombo. On the Pelicans side, the starting five will look something like this – CJ McCollum, Herbert Jones, Brandon Ingram, Jonas Valančiūnas, and Zion Williamson.

The New Orleans Pelicans vs Memphis Grizzlies: Predictions

While Morant’s presence has been absolutely welcome, as seen above, the ‘Volunteer State’ is short on “volunteers”. This might seem like a textbook win for the Williamson-Ingram-led New Orleans. But the ‘Crescent City’ has a habit of flailing at the most inopportune moments.

Read More: Can Ja Morant’s Impact Push Grizzlies to the NBA Playoffs?

Then again, New Orleans has a home-court advantage. And as mentioned in the introduction, a score to settle with a determined Morant-led Memphis. So with the Pelicans dominating the Grizzlies in terms of size and other advantages, the visiting Grizzlies will have their hands full.

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