New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies game preview from the Pelicans Scoop.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies game preview from the Pelicans Scoop.

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Memphis Grizzlies Preview

• When: March 8, 2022 @ 6:30 PM CT
• Where: Memphis, TN FedEx Forum
• How To Watch/Listen: TNT

The New Orleans Pelicans (27-37, 10th in the Western Conference) visit the Memphis Grizzlies (44-22, 2nd) on March 8 at 6:30 PM CT at the FedEx Forum. New Orleans looks to bounce back from an overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets, while the Grizzlies will want to regroup after losing to the last-place Houston Rockets. Memphis and New Orleans are 1-1 against each other this season.

Ja Morant and Zion Williamson were supposed to be the star attractions of this divisional rivalry for the better part of the decade. While New Orleans must wait a couple more weeks for Williamson’s debut, Morant will have to deal with a new-look Pelican team now. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Garrett Temple, and Tomas Satoransky played nearly an hour in the first meeting. Memphis now has to navigate the length of Herb Jones, Jaxson Hayes, and Tony Snell.

Though the Pelicans have been playing fast to run up 30 point wins, tonight might be the game to slow things back down to coach Willie Green’s preferred pace. Especially true if Brandon Ingram (right Hamstring soreness) is unavailable. New Orleans has one of the best half-court defenses, and Memphis scores only 92 points per 100 in those situations.

Feb 15, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Brandon Ingram (14) dribbles against Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (46) during the first half at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Based on advanced stats, New Orleans needs to focus on rebounding and committing fewer turnovers to make the same surprising jump up the standing as the Memphis Grizzlies. A focus on rebounding, protecting the ball, and flooding passing lanes has led the Grizzlies to the best transition offense in the NBA.

The Pelicans can score in bunches just like Memphis. Since acquiring McCollum, New Orleans has had the most efficient offense in the league in the ten games. The Pelicans also sport the 7th best defense. Despite the star power of McCollum and Morant, this game will likely hinge on playing smart defense and the rebounding battles between Jonas Valancuinas and Steven Adams.

In the ten games since New Orleans acquired McCollum, the Pelicans are the sixth-best rebounding team in the NBA. Memphis tops most rebounding charts regardless of sample size. It is debatable who won the Valancuinas/Adams trade. Both look to fit better with their current teams. Which team will come out with the win?

Expected Starting Lineups:

New Orleans Pelicans: C.J. McCollum, Brandon Ingram, Herb Jones, Jaxson Hayes, Jonas Valanciunas

Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Ziaire Williams, Jaren Jackson Jr., Steven Adams

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