The Memphis Grizzlies visit the New Orleans Pelicans on January 30, at 7:30 p.m. ET at the Smoothie King Center. Memphis enters the contest on a four-game losing streak with an 18-27 record, while New Orleans holds a 12-37 mark and a one-game skid.
The Grizzlies are dealing with significant injury issues. Ja Morant remains out with a left elbow UCL sprain, Santi Aldama is sidelined for right knee management, and Brandon Clarke is unavailable due to a right calf strain. Zach Edey continues to miss action with a left ankle stress reaction, Ty Jerome is listed as doubtful with a right calf strain, and Scotty Pippen Jr. is recovering from left great toe surgery.
New Orleans faces roster limitations as well. Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are assigned to G League two-way contracts, and Dejounte Murray is in recovery from a right Achilles rupture.
Memphis has lost its last two games, falling 97-112 to Charlotte on January 28 and 99-108 at Houston on January 26. The Pelicans split their previous two, defeating San Antonio 104-95 on January 25 before a 95-104 loss to Oklahoma City on January 27.
The teams have met three times this season. Memphis won the first two matchups, 128-122 at home on October 22 and 133-128 in overtime in New Orleans on November 26. The Pelicans claimed a 133-127 road victory on January 23.
Key contributors for Memphis include Jaren Jackson Jr., averaging 19.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game. Cedric Coward adds 14.0 points and 6.3 rebounds, while Jaylen Wells contributes 11.7 points per contest. The team averages 114.8 points on 45.4% shooting, including 34.7% from three.
For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III leads with 21.9 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, followed by Zion Williamson at 22.0 points and 6.2 rebounds. Saddiq Bey contributes 15.9 points and 5.8 rebounds, while the team averages 114.4 points per game on 46.0% shooting, with 33.7% from beyond the arc.
The Grizzlies, ranked 11th in the Western Conference, will aim to snap their four-game losing streak without several core players. New Orleans, last in the West, looks to improve on a one-game skid.
