The New Orleans Pelicans visit the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, January 23, with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET at FedExForum. Both teams face significant injury concerns that could shape the matchup.
For the Pelicans, Dejounte Murray remains sidelined with a right Achilles rupture, while Jose Alvarado is out due to a left oblique strain. Trey Alexander and Hunter Dickinson are listed as out on two-way assignments, and Herbert Jones is questionable with a right ankle sprain.
The Grizzlies’ injury list is also extensive. Ja Morant is out with a left elbow UCL sprain, and Brandon Clarke, Ty Jerome, and Zach Edey are sidelined with various calf and ankle issues. Santi Aldama will miss the game due to right knee soreness, while Scotty Pippen Jr. continues recovery from left great toe surgery. Jahmai Mashack is inactive on a two-way assignment.
New Orleans enters the contest on a three-game losing streak and holds a 10-36 record, placing them last in the Western Conference. Memphis, with an 18-24 record, sits 11th and is coming off a one-game skid after a narrow loss to Atlanta.
Pelicans’ leading scorer Trey Murphy III averages 22.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game, while Zion Williamson contributes 21.9 points and 5.7 rebounds.
Memphis will lean on Jaren Jackson Jr., who averages 18.7 points and 5.5 rebounds, and Cam Spencer, contributing 11.8 points and 5.4 assists. The absence of Morant leaves a significant void in playmaking.
This matchup also carries weight in prior season history. The Pelicans have dropped both meetings against Memphis this season, including a 128-133 overtime loss at home on November 26.
