This Sunday night, the Memphis Grizzlies head to New Orleans in a crucial Western Conference clash against the Pelicans. With the Grizzlies just two games shy of second place and only four games above the play-in position, the stakes are high in a congested race for playoff spots. Coming off a morale-boosting 122-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, which snapped a four-game slide, the Grizzlies are looking to capitalize on this momentum. However, they will be without star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who remains sidelined with an ankle injury. This game is critical for Memphis as they aim to solidify their standing and sweep the season series against a struggling Pelicans team.
Match Info
- NBA Regular Season
- Sunday 9th March 18:30 EST / 23:00 GMT
- Smoothie King Centre, New Orleans, United States
Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis’ recent performance in Dallas showcased their resilience and ability to bounce back under pressure. Desmond Bane emerged as a pivotal figure, not just filling the scoring void left by Jackson but also dominating the boards with a double-double that included 27 points and 16 rebounds. This marked his third double-double in four games, highlighting his crucial role in the absence of Jackson. Bane’s leadership extends beyond the stat sheet, as he emphasizes the importance of a winning mentality and collective resilience. The Grizzlies’ defense, a point of emphasis in recent team discussions, proved decisive in the final quarter against Dallas, where they executed a stunning 33-17 run to clinch the win. As they prepare to face the Pelicans, Memphis’s defensive cohesion will be key to overcoming New Orleans and completing their series sweep.
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New Orleans Pelicans
Meanwhile, the Pelicans are reeling from a disheartening 146-117 defeat at the hands of the Houston Rockets, where they allowed the highest point total against them this season. This loss marked the completion of a season sweep by the Rockets, who dominated the Pelicans with a significant average victory margin. Pelicans coach Willie Green criticized his team’s lack of toughness and defensive effort, acknowledging the need for a stronger approach in the forthcoming games. The quick turnaround to Sunday’s game presents both a challenge and an opportunity for redemption against a formidable Memphis team. The availability of Zion Williamson, who missed the first three encounters against the Grizzlies and is managing a cautious return from a hamstring injury, remains uncertain. His participation could be crucial as the Pelicans seek to avoid another sweep and regain competitive form.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Memphis Grizzlies to Win
The Memphis Grizzlies are positioned as the likely victors in this upcoming match against the New Orleans Pelicans. The key factor tilting the scales in their favour is their recent return to form, highlighted by a strong victory over the Dallas Mavericks that ended a season-worst losing streak. Despite the absence of Jaren Jackson Jr., Desmond Bane has stepped up impressively, demonstrating his ability to influence both the scoreboard and the rebounding battle significantly. Additionally, Memphis’s enhanced focus on tightening their defensive play, especially evident in their last quarter performance against Dallas, suggests they are preparing to handle critical game moments more effectively. On the other hand, the Pelicans have shown vulnerabilities, particularly in their recent heavy loss to the Rockets, where their defensive weaknesses were starkly exposed. With the uncertainty surrounding Zion Williamson’s participation and the lack of defensive cohesion, the Pelicans might struggle to contain the Grizzlies’ momentum, making Memphis the probable winner in this encounter.
America Bet Score Prediction
Memphis Grizzlies 115 – 105 New Orleans Pelicans
The projected scoreline of 115-105 in favor of the Memphis Grizzlies reflects their current form and resilience, especially in challenging matchups. Memphis’s offensive capabilities, even without Jaren Jackson Jr., have been robust, thanks to Desmond Bane’s standout performances and his ability to adapt to increased responsibilities. His scoring and rebounding prowess should compensate significantly for Jackson’s absence. Additionally, Memphis’s strengthened defensive strategies, which proved effective in the final quarter against the Mavericks, are likely to limit the scoring opportunities for the Pelicans. On the other side, New Orleans has struggled defensively, as seen in their recent loss where they allowed an excessively high point total. Unless the Pelicans make a drastic improvement in their defensive game and manage to harness more consistent offensive contributions from their lineup, including an uncertain Zion Williamson, they are likely to fall short against a determined Grizzlies team.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Memphis Grizzlies to win.
- Total points over 220.
- Desmond Bane to score over 25 points.
- Desmond Bane to have over 10 rebounds.
- Memphis Grizzlies to win by 10 points margin.
- Second half to be the highest scoring half.
- Total points for New Orleans Pelicans under 110.
- Memphis Grizzlies to lead at half-time.
- Total assists by Memphis Grizzlies over 25.
- Both teams to score 50 points in the first half.
